Breaking Surface (2020)

Breaking Surface (2020), directed by Joachim Hedén, is a tense and poignant psychological thriller set in the forbidding yet dangerous Norwegian wilderness. The film, a collaboration between Belgium, Norway, and Sweden, takes viewers on a harrowing journey into the depths of human survival, resilience, and fear in a remote and isolated setting.

The story revolves around two sisters, Ida (Moja Holm) and Tuva (Madeleine Martin), who embark on a weekend of diving off the Norwegian coast. What begins as a simple adventure quickly turns into a fight for survival when an accident leaves Tuva trapped underwater, and Ida is faced with the difficult task of rescuing her. As the days pass and their situation becomes increasingly dire, the film delves into the deepest and most profound fears of isolation, despair, and the limits of human willpower.

Breaking Surface stands out for its minimalist yet highly effective premise. With a setting confined primarily to the underwater world and the surrounding rugged landscape, the film uses its environment as a tool to increase tension and urgency. Hedén masterfully utilizes the claustrophobic nature of the situation to extract psychological depth from the characters. The fear of drowning, the race against time, and the mounting emotional tension are palpable throughout the film, creating a visceral experience for the audience.