Breathe: A Tabiyus Film

BREATHE masterfully unravels the lives of a suburban LA community ensnared by the drug trade, where interwoven fates collide, forcing characters to confront their darkest truths and navigate complex loyalties. This journey leads to a tragic, irreversible transformation.

I was thrilled to attend the Los Angeles premiere of the film. Jona Dominguez and Jeff Rose delivered standout performances that truly brought the story to life. The overall cast was impressive, particularly for an indie film, showcasing the raw, emotional depth required for such a complex narrative.

In his directorial debut, Tabiyus has crafted a compelling and gritty exploration of human nature under pressure. I'm excited to see what he does next as a director. BREATHE is a remarkable indie achievement that leaves a lasting impact.

Allison McAtee's portrayal of Kendal Macario in *Breathe* is nothing short of a revelation... a masterclass in emotional restraint and nuanced performance. As Kendal, a woman who is quietly holding her family together while battling her own personal demons, McAtee brings a depth and complexity to the role that's often missing in contemporary film. There's a quiet intensity to her work here, one that speaks volumes without the need for excessive dialogue. It's the kind of performance that lingers with you, not because it demands attention, but because it subtly demands your empathy.

In the quieter moments, McAtee shines brightest. A particularly memorable scene takes place over a seemingly innocuous dinner with her husband, Leone (Ottavio Lobefaro). There's no grand confrontation, no cathartic outburst, yet McAtee conveys so much in her stillness-the weight of years of unresolved pain, the fragility of a marriage teetering on the brink, and the quiet strength of a woman unwilling to let go. It's one of those rare cinematic moments where a single look or a fleeting gesture speaks louder than pages of dialogue.

The dynamic between McAtee and Lobefaro is electric in its subtlety. Their chemistry, fraught with unspoken tension, underscores the emotional crux of Kendal's journey. The failure of her marriage is not painted in broad strokes, but in delicate shades-McAtee's portrayal of a woman slowly unraveling, but never fully giving in to despair, is a testament to her skill. She never allows Kendal to become a victim, even when the emotional weight of her situation would justify it. Instead, McAtee gives us a character who is simultaneously fragile and resilient, trapped in the tension between vulnerability and strength.

What makes McAtee's performance so compelling is its quiet power. There's a fierce determination beneath Kendal's composed exterior, a resolve to keep her family together even as the walls begin to close in. The way McAtee balances these competing elements-vulnerability and determination, fragility and strength-makes Kendal's journey feel deeply personal and utterly relatable.

Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV's direction complements McAtee's work beautifully, allowing the character the space to breathe. His pacing is deliberate, ensuring that the emotional beats are earned, not rushed, which allows Kendal's story to unfold organically. The film's attention to the quiet moments-those reflective pauses where a character's inner turmoil is revealed through their actions rather than words-mirrors McAtee's understated performance. Together, they create a portrait of a woman who feels both timeless and profoundly real.

In *Breathe*, Allison McAtee delivers one of the most compelling performances of the year. She's able to do so much with so little, and in doing so, she creates a character whose emotional depth resonates long after the final frame. If there's one takeaway from this film, it's that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones told in silence.

Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV's BREATHE is a compelling dive into the dark, intertwined lives of characters struggling to escape their pasts while navigating present-day dangers. The film focuses on Craig London, a young man battling addiction, and his attempts to reconcile with his estranged family, all while navigating the influence of a dangerous criminal world. At its heart, BREATHE explores themes of family, survival, and the haunting grip of trauma.

The film weaves together multiple character arcs, each bringing its own intensity and emotional baggage to the table. From the volatile father-son relationship between Craig and his abusive, alcoholic father, Max, to the gang-infested world that Brian and James find themselves entangled in, the stakes always feel high. Tabiyus masterfully uses this tension to maintain a sense of urgency and suspense throughout the film.

What stands out most in BREATHE is its authenticity. The raw emotions, sharp dialogue, and genuine portrayal of addiction and familial dysfunction make the characters feel painfully real. The interactions between characters like Craig and his father are heartbreaking and visceral, leaving the audience caught between empathy and frustration. The ensemble cast delivers powerful performances that heighten the emotional gravity of the story, particularly in the moments where they confront their inner demons.

However, BREATHE isn't just a family drama-it's also a crime thriller. The gritty, dangerous world of drug deals, gang confrontations, and violent turf wars bring a palpable tension that keeps viewers on edge. Xzavion, the menacing antagonist, adds a layer of unpredictability that raises the stakes for Craig, Brian, and James as they try to navigate their respective paths.

A potential drawback is the sprawling narrative, with multiple storylines unfolding at once. However, BREATHE handles this complexity well. Strong character development and tight pacing keep the arcs easy to follow, making the layered storytelling feel both engaging and essential.

Overall, BREATHE is a striking and emotional film that blends family drama with the grittiness of a crime thriller. Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV has crafted a narrative that holds nothing back, showcasing the difficult choices people must make to survive-while still holding out hope for redemption. If you're a fan of intense, character-driven stories with real stakes, BREATHE is definitely worth the watch.

Man, BREATHE hit me differently. It's not just a movie-it's proof that Black creatives, like Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV, can push past the norms and create art that touches people everywhere, no matter who they are or where they come from. This film gave me everything I didn't know I needed: action, drama, and heart, all wrapped up in a story that makes you feel something real.

Tabiyus Nah IV, as both the director, producer and actor, put his heart into this film, and it shows. What's truly fresh about BREATHE is how it reflects the idea that our choices are like ripples-affecting not just ourselves but everyone around us. The film doesn't shy away from the fact that even good people can find themselves in bad situations, and it asks hard questions about what it really means to survive and thrive. It hits you deep, making you reflect on your own life choices and their far-reaching consequences.

Honestly, this film is more than just a movie-it's a moment for Black creatives breaking past expectations and showing the world what's possible. BREATHE is a solid indie film by an even greater talent. Congrats to Tabiyus on creating something special-can't wait to see what's next!

I had the pleasure of attending the Los Angeles premiere of BREATHE, and the event itself was a party-no after-party needed! As an indie film, BREATHE far exceeded expectations, showing what can be accomplished with limited resources when a passionate team comes together. Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV and his team created a film that feels polished, deeply emotional, and gripping from start to finish.

Jeff Rose, typically seen in faith-based roles, gives an award-worthy performance as Victor Brady. His emotionally charged scenes with Jesse Howland, who plays his son Alex, are some of the film's most compelling moments. Brandon Butler, known from Netflix's Trinkets and 13 Reasons Why, also delivers a raw portrayal of addiction as Craig London, keeping the audience deeply invested in his character's journey.

BREATHE also excels in its portrayal of diversity, particularly with its strong Asian representation. Remington Hoffman plays Brian Yune, the leader of the Asian International sector of a drug empire, in a role that is strikingly different from his previous work on Days of Our Lives. Hoffman brings depth and gravitas to Brian, and the scenes between him and Blue Kimble's Xzavion crackle with intensity. Forrest Hoffman, Remington's real-life brother, plays Garrett Yune, adding an extra layer of authenticity to their sibling dynamic on screen. Gilbert Galon's portrayal of Ryan Lee further strengthens the film's impactful representation. The Yune brothers, along with other Asian characters, are pivotal to the story's cultural and power dynamics, making this representation feel essential to the narrative rather than an afterthought.

Aaron Dominguez, best known for his role on HULU's Only Murders in the Building, delivers a standout performance as Javier Roberto, especially in his intense scene with Lucas Hernandez, played by his real-life brother Jona Dominguez. Their scene is one of the film's highlights, filled with palpable tension and raw emotion, showcasing the dynamic between the brothers in an unforgettable way.

Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV, who not only wrote and directed the film but also stars as James Reed, gives a heartfelt and sincere performance. His on-screen chemistry with Danube Hermosillo, as seen on SHOWTIME's Shameless, feels natural and adds a tender emotional layer to the story. The theme song, performed by Tabiyus alongside Anja Nissen, is beautifully executed and left a lasting emotional impact, perfectly capturing the film's core sentiment.

BREATHE is a prime example of what indie films can achieve with passion and talent. The story, diversity, and performances make it a must-watch, and I'm excited to see what the next chapter of The RUN Saga holds.