How long will each illicit affair last? Who will suffer much because of it? Will they ever get past their stifling guilt and breathe again?
These are the questions that Breathe Again, a movie about illicit affairs and seven-year itch would like to answer.
The “seven-year itch” usually refers to a point in a couple’s life when one or both partners start to become bored or dissatisfied in their relationship. And in the movie Breathe Again, director Raffy Francisco tries to prove that it’s real and it’s not just a myth.
The sad fact is, the movie also tells that some couples cannot fight the urge to get a little ‘scratch’ on the side when they reach this point
The film is also partially shot in Batangas to highlight its beautiful beaches.
“The core of the film is about finding yourself. The journey of the narrative for the main character is finding her breath own again,” Francisco said.
Starring Ariella Arida, Tony Labrusca, Jela Cuenca, and Ivan Padilla the movie is an open letter to people who might be in an entangled relationship. And that little twist in its ending might make people realize how real and relatable the story is.
“People will get surprised once they see the ending and that is why it’s titled Breathe Again. Inter-connected ang mga pangyayari from beginning to end,” said Ariella.
“Sometimes, we meet the right person but at the wrong time. We fall in love, pero bawal pala. Masarap talaga na meron kang makilalang tao na nakaka-intindi sa ‘yo. Masarap magmahal kahit saglit lang,” Tony said in turn of what people can learn from the movie.
After proposing marriage to Joanna (Ariella Arida), Paulo (Ivan Padilla) takes her to the beach, knowing that she loves swimming. He also encourages her to go freediving while he joins his friends for an exciting ride with his newly acquired heavy bike. One of the riders happens to be a very sultry woman named Vivien (Jela Cuenca). Soon, Paulo finds himself in ecstasy as she gives him a different kind of ride.
Meanwhile, Joanna takes freediving lessons from an extremely hot instructor named Robert (Tony Labrusca). Joanna’s repressed sexuality is awakened and boldly lets Robert dive into her.
Choosing the setting for the movie, the director said that he has a deep love for the ocean. Over the years, he has captured stunning underwater photos and videos. He has a solid background in directing TV commercials that range from beauty, tech, food, and more. Breathe Again is his first full-length film.
Partially shot in Batangas, Francisco raved about how beautiful their location was and how the movie – apart from introducing actors who are talented and register well on the screen – carries an advocacy to protect the environment.
“The character of Tony here as a freediver will show us beautiful angles of the sea, and how people like him care for the environment. All of this is encapsulated in the sport of freediving. Ang ganda kasi ng karagatan ng Pilipinas,” the director shared.
Breathe Again streams on Vivamax on June 3.
