The first thing to note is that this short film is NOT a horror film. I've seen a lot of negative reviews for Breathe, saying that it wasn't scary at all, other than the initial start where it starts building the anxiety and the tension, but this is not a horror short overall. This is a fantasy, drama and thriller short film, and it should be treated as such. There's too many short films that get a bad publicity and ultimately, the director doesn't get much further, because many people misinterpret the film.
Breathe is a smart horror film, based on one of the old horror tropes of ghosts that you can't see unless you hold your breath. It's a terrifying concept, but this is revived in a new way, that's almost sweet, but with a dark concept about it. Again, not really horror, more romance than anything, but this is a short film that really caught my attention.
Breathe is a very smart short film, at only four minutes fifty five seconds, that really shows just exactly what people would do for love. There's a lot within it, a lot of meaning, and a lot of hinted in the background things that really make me want to see more from this short. Although it's perfect as it is; it's the perfect length and it really shows that the director knew exactly what he wanted. The acting in this is really well done, and the scenes are well shot. The opening scene, with the fading effects, looked really, really good, and I'm honestly very, very impressed by this.
Toby Meakins is definitely a director I will be looking forward to more from; he's definitely earned a spot on my favourite shorts directors list.
