Respire and Stealing Others' Last Breaths: A Movie Review

*A screener of this film was provided by MTI Home Video for review.

Director/writer: David A. Cross.

Respire is an independent horror film that will release February 15th on DVD and Video-on-Demand. The film stars Tracy Teague ("The Wire"), Ellie Torrezb, ("Scrubs"), Matthew J. Wright, and Jessica Keeler. This is a violent tale of prolonging life through another's demise. Characters are dismantled, double-crossings are the norm, and in the finale an entire town descends into chaos. All of these elements create for a satisfying and heart shocking climax.

The film finds a premise in the ancient Roman myth involving the last breath. The final exhale of a dying person was captured or inhaled to prolong life. Characters Susan (Teague), Raif (Wright) and others spend much of the ninety minutes of the movie trying to procure vials of the deceased. Yet, many of the vials are from death row inmates or psychiatric patients, who later come to life in those who inhale their final breath.

Many of those who breathe in the vials are your average townsfolk e.g. sex-starved bachelorette, or mindful mom. So, dodging the coming axe swing is a little more difficult, when looking at your neighbour or co-worker. However, there is a lot of intrigue early in the film, which brings about this exciting curtain call.

You see, Susan is dying of cancer and she, by happenstance, discovers a vial at her shop of curious goods. Her encounter with the last breath of a former inmate brings about changes in her body and soon she is in full recovery. The value of said vials brings many a suspicious character into her shop. They will not leave, until they have their own vials.

So, the competition and back stabbing begins, while one character uses a ruse to procure sympathy and the possibility of immortality. But, nefarious deeds bring consequences and soon, Respire is paying homage to director Fraser Clarke Heston's Needful Things. A curiousity shop brings death and destruction, as several characters struggle to bring back calm.

This is one of the few indie horror films to ever get this reviewer with a set jump scare. The scene will not be revealed, but the shock was welcome. Other later scenes are filled with gorier human body parts, while director David A. Cross successfully gives horror viewers what they want -thrills. This is an excellent film worthy of attention.

Pick this one up for a good scare and sit through some intriguing plot developments for the final action packed ending. There are a few flaws with this feature e.g. plastic heads, but few problems and Respire is highly recommended for independent horror fans. Be forewarned though. Respire may not bring about immortality and instead, you will find yourself clutching your chest at unlikely points!

Characters/interpretations: 7 (no issues with acting).
Writing/story/plot: 8 (clever use of Roman mythology and modernization).
Music/selections: 6.5 (seems to run the gamut, a little too up and down, all over the place).

Overall: 7.1 out of 10 (really good).

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Respire on FB

Respire is available on DVD through Amazon in a short while (Feb. 15th):




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Posted in: 2011,david a. cross,death row inmate,independent,jessica keeler,movie poster,movie review,psychotic,respire,roman mythology movie review,supernatural,tracy teague