I had the pleasure of attending the Los Angeles premiere of BREATHE, and the event itself was a party-no after-party needed! As an indie film, BREATHE far exceeded expectations, showing what can be accomplished with limited resources when a passionate team comes together. Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV and his team created a film that feels polished, deeply emotional, and gripping from start to finish.
Jeff Rose, typically seen in faith-based roles, gives an award-worthy performance as Victor Brady. His emotionally charged scenes with Jesse Howland, who plays his son Alex, are some of the film's most compelling moments. Brandon Butler, known from Netflix's Trinkets and 13 Reasons Why, also delivers a raw portrayal of addiction as Craig London, keeping the audience deeply invested in his character's journey.
BREATHE also excels in its portrayal of diversity, particularly with its strong Asian representation. Remington Hoffman plays Brian Yune, the leader of the Asian International sector of a drug empire, in a role that is strikingly different from his previous work on Days of Our Lives. Hoffman brings depth and gravitas to Brian, and the scenes between him and Blue Kimble's Xzavion crackle with intensity. Forrest Hoffman, Remington's real-life brother, plays Garrett Yune, adding an extra layer of authenticity to their sibling dynamic on screen. Gilbert Galon's portrayal of Ryan Lee further strengthens the film's impactful representation. The Yune brothers, along with other Asian characters, are pivotal to the story's cultural and power dynamics, making this representation feel essential to the narrative rather than an afterthought.
Aaron Dominguez, best known for his role on HULU's Only Murders in the Building, delivers a standout performance as Javier Roberto, especially in his intense scene with Lucas Hernandez, played by his real-life brother Jona Dominguez. Their scene is one of the film's highlights, filled with palpable tension and raw emotion, showcasing the dynamic between the brothers in an unforgettable way.
Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV, who not only wrote and directed the film but also stars as James Reed, gives a heartfelt and sincere performance. His on-screen chemistry with Danube Hermosillo, as seen on SHOWTIME's Shameless, feels natural and adds a tender emotional layer to the story. The theme song, performed by Tabiyus alongside Anja Nissen, is beautifully executed and left a lasting emotional impact, perfectly capturing the film's core sentiment.
BREATHE is a prime example of what indie films can achieve with passion and talent. The story, diversity, and performances make it a must-watch, and I'm excited to see what the next chapter of The RUN Saga holds.
