Watch freediving documentary The Deepest Breath — but with caution

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The Deepest Breath is not for the faint of heart. If you happen to be claustrophobic or have thalassophobia (fear of deep bodies of water), then this might not be the documentary for you. This emotional A24 feature film ( watch trailer, runtime: 2:21) is an exploration of the thrilling, and dangerous, sport of freediving. A combination of real footage and reconstructions of certain events tell the story of freediver Alessia Zecchini, her coach, and world-renowned safety diver Stephen Keenan during her quest to break the world record.

If you’re unfamiliar with freediving, it’s an extreme sport where divers plunge down into the ocean without an oxygen tank, aiming to reach record-breaking depths in a single breath. Director and screenwriter Laura McGann does an amazing job showing the beauty and serenity that drives people to compete in the sport, but does not minimize the tragedy that many experience during their attempts. Unfortunately, depictions of the dangers of freediving in The Deepest Breath are graphic and upsetting, so be prepared.