Breath of Life was released on December 15, 2023, as an Amazon Prime Video original film, under MGM and Nemsia Films with Derin Adeyokunnu as executive producer and produced by Eku Edewor. It is the third feature I’d be watching from Director BB Sasore after Banana Island Ghost (2017), and God Calling (2018). “Breath of Life” is about faith, sacrifice, finding purpose, healing, and redemption. Redemption is a recurring theme in these films and how the characters try to deal with loss and their faith.
The Plot
The trinity of the plot is around the Man, the Church, & his God though there wasn’t even a throwaway line to hint this.
Despite the issues weighing it down, Breath of Life manages to swim. A handful of sincere moments reflect the intent of the director. In his interview, Sasore talks about trying to tell a story about a “male-to-male relationship,” especially one with themes of class separation. There is a sequence in the film where Elijah has to read newspapers out loud to Timi because the latter’s glasses are broken, and I thought it was an honest and commendable character moment.
The romance between Elijah and Anna also never feels forced. The actors’ performances sometimes waver, but the screenplay (mostly) looks for organic ways to depict their love for each other and even their conflict. Props should also be given to the crew, especially the costume and production design departments. They were able to communicate a lot with the mise-en-scene and the characters’ attires. The cinematography uses more natural light and captures the film in all the indie wonder it deserves.
Breath of Life is commendable for taking big swings and painting with broad strokes, but chaotic in its inability to smoothly blend its influences.