In the crushing darkness of the North Sea, where the pressure can crush steel and hope in an instant, Last Breath tells the true story of a diver’s fight for survival against impossible odds. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joe Penna (Arctic), this gripping thriller stars Woody Harrelson as Duncan Allock, the gruff but compassionate rig manager, and Simu Liu as Dave Yuasa, the rookie diver whose life hangs by a thread 300 feet below the surface. Based on the 2019 documentary of the same name, Last Breath transforms a real-life disaster into a cinematic masterpiece of tension, courage, and the unbreakable human spirit.
When a catastrophic equipment failure leaves diver Chris Lemons (Finn Cole) stranded on the ocean floor with only five minutes of oxygen, the crew of the Byford Dolphin rig must race against time, nature, and their own fears to bring him home. With stunning underwater cinematography and a haunting score by Jóhann Jóhannsson (Sicario), Last Breath plunges audiences into a world where every second counts and every breath could be the last.
Behind the Scenes: Meet the Cast of Last Breath
1- Woody Harrelson as Duncan Allock
Woody Harrelson (born July 23, 1961), the Oscar-nominated star of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and True Detective, brings gravitas and grit to Duncan, the rig’s no-nonsense manager. Known for his ability to balance toughness with vulnerability, Harrelson’s Duncan is a man haunted by past failures but driven to save his crew at all costs.
Harrelson trained with real rig workers and spent weeks on an offshore platform to prepare. “Duncan’s not a hero—he’s just a guy trying to do the right thing in a world where nature doesn’t care,” he says. Off-screen, Harrelson’s environmental activism mirrors Duncan’s respect for the ocean’s power.
2- Simu Liu as Dave Yuasa
Simu Liu (born April 19, 1989), Marvel’s Shang-Chi, delivers a career-defining performance as Dave, the inexperienced diver thrust into a nightmare. Liu’s physicality and emotional range, honed in Kim’s Convenience and Barbie (2023), make Dave’s journey from fear to determination utterly compelling.
Liu trained with professional divers and free-dived to understand the psychological toll of deep-sea work. “Dave’s not just fighting the ocean—he’s fighting his own doubts,” Liu explains. A vocal advocate for Asian representation, he sees Dave as a “quiet hero who proves courage isn’t about muscles.”
3- Finn Cole as Chris Lemons
Finn Cole (born November 9, 1995), Peaky Blinders and Animal Kingdom star, embodies Chris, the diver whose survival becomes a miracle of human endurance. Cole’s ability to convey raw emotion with minimal dialogue shines in the film’s claustrophobic underwater sequences.
Cole spent months in hyperbaric chambers and cold-water tanks to prepare. “Chris’s story isn’t just about survival—it’s about the will to live,” he says. Off-screen, Cole supports mental health initiatives, drawing parallels to Chris’s isolation.
4- Cliff Curtis as Andre Jenson (Captain)
Cliff Curtis (born July 27, 1968), Fear the Walking Dead and Avatar franchise star, commands the screen as Captain Andre, the stoic leader torn between protocol and compassion. Curtis’s Māori heritage and roles in Whale Rider (2002) inform Andre’s deep connection to the sea.
“Andre’s the calm in the storm, but even he has limits,” Curtis says. A champion of Indigenous storytelling, he brings cultural depth to the role.
5- Mark Bonnar as Craig (Dive Supervisor)
Mark Bonnar (born November 19, 1968), Line of Duty and Guilt star, portrays Craig, the meticulous dive supervisor whose decisions could mean life or death. Bonnar’s knack for moral complexity adds layers to Craig’s internal struggle.
“Craig’s a man who lives by the book… until the book fails him,” Bonnar explains. Off-screen, he’s a passionate advocate for workers’ rights.
6- MyAnna Buring as Hanna (1st Officer)
MyAnna Buring (born September 22, 1979), The Witcher and Downton Abbey alum, plays Hanna, the fiercely competent first officer. Buring’s ability to balance strength and vulnerability makes Hanna a standout.
“Hanna’s the glue holding the crew together,” Buring says. A feminist advocate, she pushed for Hanna’s leadership role.
7- Josef Altin as DPO
Josef Altin (born May 12, 1983), Game of Thrones’ Pypar, brings quiet intensity to the Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO), whose technical skills are crucial to the rescue.
“The DPO’s the unsung hero of the rig,” Altin says. A tech enthusiast, he trained on real DPO systems.
8- Bobby Rainsbury as Morag
Bobby Rainsbury (rising star), known for The Crown and The Sandman, plays Morag, the rig’s medic. Rainsbury’s empathy and precision anchor the film’s emotional core.
“Morag’s the heart of the crew,” Rainsbury says. A former EMT, she brings authenticity to the role.
9- Connor Reed as Andrew (Rov Pilot)
Connor Reed (Industry), a breakout talent, portrays Andrew, the ROV pilot whose remote-operated vehicle becomes Chris’s lifeline.
“Andrew’s the bridge between the surface and the abyss,” Reed says. A robotics hobbyist, he trained on ROV simulators.
10- Nick Biadon as Stuart (B Team)
Nick Biadon (The Last Kingdom), plays Stuart, a seasoned diver on the backup team. Biadon’s rugged charm and experience in action roles add authenticity.
“Stuart’s the guy you want in a crisis,” Biadon says.
11- Riz Khan as Kirk (B Team)
Riz Khan (Bodyguard), portrays Kirk, the jokester of the B Team. Khan’s comedic timing provides much-needed levity.
“Kirk’s humor keeps the team sane,” Khan says.
12- Aldo Silvio as Brad (B Team)
Aldo Silvio (Vikings), plays Brad, the quiet but dependable diver. Silvio’s stoic presence adds depth to the ensemble.
“Brad’s the strong, silent type,” Silvio says.
13- Kevin Naudi as Alex (C Team)
Kevin Naudi (The Witcher), portrays Alex, the youngest diver on the C Team. Naudi’s youthful energy and determination make Alex a fan favorite.
“Alex is all heart,” Naudi says.
Why Last Breath Will Leave You Breathless
With its powerhouse cast, heart-stopping tension, and stunning visuals, Last Breath is a cinematic experience you won’t forget. Dive into theaters on February 28, 2025—and hold your breath.
