You know that feeling when you're watching a movie and you keep thinking, "There is no way this actually happened"? That's basically the experience of watching Last Breath, the latest survival thriller starring Woody Harrelson.
It’s intense. It’s claustrophobic. Honestly, it’s probably the reason I’m never going near the North Sea.
While the film made some waves at the box office in early 2025, it’s really found its second life on streaming lately. People are finally catching on to just how insane this story is. It isn't just another Hollywood "based on a true story" fluff piece where they change everything but the names. It’s a remake of a 2019 documentary of the same name, and the director, Alex Parkinson, actually handled both versions.
He knew these guys. He knew the weight of what went down.
The Reality Behind Woody Harrelson’s New Movie
Most people go into a film like Last Breath expecting a typical disaster flick. You think you’ve seen it all with The Abyss or Apollo 13. But this is different. Woody Harrelson plays Duncan Allcock, a veteran saturation diver. If you aren't familiar with saturation diving, it’s basically living in a pressurized metal can for weeks so your body can handle the crushing depths of the ocean floor.
It is a terrifying job.
The movie follows three divers—Duncan (Harrelson), Chris Lemons (played by Finn Cole), and David Yuasa (Simu Liu). They’re working on gas lines deep in the North Sea when everything goes sideways. A dynamic positioning failure on their main ship causes the vessel to drift.
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In the chaos, the umbilical cord—the literal lifeline that provides air, heat, and communication—is severed.
Chris Lemons is left alone. 100 meters down. In total darkness. With about five or six minutes of emergency air.
He was stranded there for over 30 minutes.
That’s not a spoiler; it’s history. But the way Harrelson portrays the sheer desperation of the crew trying to get back to him is what makes this the new Woody Harrelson film everyone is talking about again. Harrelson’s character is at the end of his career, looking at retirement, and then he’s hit with the most "life or death" scenario imaginable.
Why Last Breath is Ranking Higher on Streaming Now
It’s kind of wild how a movie can "flop" in theaters and then become a massive hit on Prime Video. When it dropped in February 2025, it grossed about $24 million. That barely covered the production budget of $23.8 million.
Maybe the marketing didn't hit. Maybe people weren't ready for that level of anxiety in a theater.
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But at home? It’s perfect. It’s only 93 minutes long.
There’s no fluff. No romantic subplots that don't belong. Just three guys, a lot of water, and a ticking clock. Critics have been pretty kind to it too, with many pointing out that Harrelson delivers one of his most "grounded" performances in years. He isn't playing the wacky mentor or the over-the-top villain here. He’s just a tired, professional man trying to save his "brother."
What sets this apart from other Harrelson projects?
Usually, Woody is the guy with the quip. Think Zombieland or even his role as Haymitch in The Hunger Games. In Last Breath, he’s restrained. He has to convey everything through a headset or a small window in a diving bell.
The technical accuracy is also surprisingly high. They didn't Hollywood-ize the diving suits to make them look "cooler." They look like heavy, bloated, functional gear.
What’s Next for Woody Harrelson in 2026?
If the high-pressure stakes of the North Sea aren't your thing, Harrelson has a very different project hitting home media right now. Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (the third installment of the magic heist franchise) just landed on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray this February 2026.
It’s a total 180 from the grit of Last Breath.
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In the new magic film, Harrelson returns as Merritt McKinney (and his twin brother Chase). It’s got the flashy illusions, the Abu Dhabi locations, and a new cast including Justice Smith and Ariana Greenblatt.
Then there’s Ella McCay, the James L. Brooks comedy that came out late last year. Harrelson is part of an ensemble there that includes Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis. It seems like Woody is in his "legacy" era—mixing big franchise paychecks with deeply personal, intense dramas like Last Breath.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to dive into Harrelson's recent filmography, here is how you should approach it:
- Watch the Last Breath (2019) documentary first. It sounds counterintuitive, but seeing the real footage of Chris Lemons actually makes the 2025 feature film more impressive. You realize that the "unbelievable" parts weren't made up for the script.
- Check the streaming platforms. As of early 2026, Last Breath is a top performer on Amazon Prime Video in several regions. If you have a decent sound system, use it. The sound design of the creaking metal and the heavy breathing is half the experience.
- Keep an eye on physical releases. For the collectors, the 4K release of the new Now You See Me sequel includes a commentary track with director Ruben Fleischer that’s actually worth the listen if you’re into the "how-to" of movie magic.
Woody Harrelson has been a staple of cinema for decades, but it's these smaller, high-intensity roles that remind us why he's still a heavy hitter. Whether he's playing a magician or a diver, he has this knack for making you believe he's actually lived that life.
Go watch Last Breath. Just maybe don't do it right before a beach vacation.
To get the most out of your viewing, start with the 2019 documentary to understand the physics of the accident, then stream the Harrelson version to see the emotional toll on the rescuers. Once you've finished those, the physical 4K release of Now You See Me: Now You Don't is the best way to see Harrelson's more lighthearted side with its exclusive behind-the-scenes features.