Breaking Surface (2020)
Director: Joachim Hedén
Starring: Moa Gammel, Trine Dyrholm, Johannes Bah Kuhnke
Plot Overview:
Breaking Surface is a tense survival thriller that takes place in the cold, unforgiving waters of Norway. The film centers on two sisters, Ida (Moa Gammel) and Tuva (Trine Dyrholm), who embark on a deep-sea diving trip in an isolated coastal area. What begins as a recreational dive quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival when an unforeseen accident traps one of the sisters beneath the surface of the water.
While diving, an unexpected mishap leaves Tuva stuck at the bottom of the sea with a severely injured leg, while Ida is left on the surface with limited resources. The film follows Ida’s struggle as she races against time and the harsh elements to rescue her sister before it’s too late. The only way to save Tuva is to dive deeper into the water to cut through the wreckage and free her from the depths, but Ida’s own fears and limitations are tested in the process.
As Ida faces escalating challenges in her attempt to rescue Tuva, the tension mounts, with each passing moment intensifying the emotional and physical toll on the characters. The film focuses not only on the life-or-death stakes of their predicament but also on the emotional dynamics between the sisters, their bond, and the psychological weight of their situation.
Breaking Surface skillfully blends survival thriller elements with a character-driven narrative, exploring themes of resilience, family bonds, and human endurance in the face of extreme adversity. The underwater setting adds an extra layer of claustrophobia and danger, making every decision and action feel heightened. The film builds suspense by placing the characters in a constant state of peril, using the elements and the environment to create a truly harrowing experience. The emotional depth of the characters, coupled with the breathtaking and perilous surroundings, makes Breaking Surface a gripping and immersive thriller.