"Breathe" is a biographical, romantic film. Although it may seem unbelievable, it is based on true events (it was even filmed in the interiors where the main characters actually lived). Recently, we celebrated National Marriage Week, and this film allows us to further reflect on the strength and importance of marriage from the perspective of life reality, and not just through "rose-colored" Valentine’s glasses.
The film was directed by Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Black Panther). The main roles were played by Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man, Hacksaw Ridge, Silence) and Claire Foy (The Crown, Too Much Happiness, First Man).
The film tells the story of Robin Cavendish and his wife Diana. The whole story begins in peace and joy, in romance and with the carefree life of young people. No one would think that at the age of 28, something could disrupt this life idyll. However, this is exactly what happened. After years of a beautiful life, Robin Cavendish, at the age of 28, contracts polio and suddenly becomes paralyzed from the neck down. The doctors tell him that he has only three months to live. It is obvious that for a young person who until then had lived a virtually carefree life, enjoying his happiest moments with beautiful Diana, this shock—this harsh reality—suddenly comes.
Since we are in the 1950s, we must realize that at that time medicine was not where it is today, and a person with this diagnosis would be confined to a hospital bed with no hope. Robin Cavendish was completely dependent on others' help. His whole world collapsed, and he was closed off, lost in his own thoughts. He only thought about not wanting to live anymore, that he wanted to die—he was angry at himself, at the world, at everything around, at God.
At this moment, however, the character of Diana comes to the forefront, proving to be a very strong and determined woman who does not allow herself to be "infected" by depressive thoughts, but becomes a woman of action and begins to act. Her support and determination gradually help Robin get his mind back together, and with the help of their son, whom they were expecting before the illness, reasons to live begin to emerge. With the help of friends, Diana devises a plan to get Robin out of the dark and negative environment of the hospital. Thanks to love, dedication, care, patience, and support, the three months that Robin was meant to live turned into 36 years. Diana devoted her entire time and life to caring for her husband, who, despite all the pain and hardship of this terrible disease, lived a meaningful life thanks to her.
An important element of this film is not only its emotional charge and the strength of the story but also its inspirational message. Robin and Diana Cavendish not only overcame their own boundaries but turned their story into a source of hope and change for many. After Robin’s own experience with disability, both spouses became involved in fighting for the rights of individuals with disabilities and improving their living conditions. They founded an organization that provided support and advice to people with disabilities and their families. They worked to advocate for legislative changes so that people with disabilities would have better access to medical care, assistance, and services. Furthermore, they sought to raise awareness of the issues faced by people with disabilities and to combat stigmatization and discrimination. Their work helped change society's perception of people with disabilities and contributed to improving their living conditions and opportunities. Thanks to their efforts, people with disabilities had more opportunities for a fulfilling and independent life.
The biggest difference between the film and reality was one of the last scenes when Robin dies. Although it was not explicitly stated in the film, viewers might have the impression that the main protagonist ultimately decides to end his own life. This implication (which, although not clearly stated, crosses the viewer's mind and can often be disappointing) has not, however, been proven in reality, and it remains a fact that Robin Cavendish passed away in 1994 at the age of 64 due to natural causes. Despite his severe physical disability and dependence on mechanical respiratory support, he managed to live a fulfilling life thanks to his loved ones.
Serkis and the film team collaborated with the Cavendish family during the filming process to ensure that the story of their lives was portrayed with respect and sensitivity. This collaboration brought deeper understanding to their experiences. Director Serkis also cast people with actual disabilities in the film to contribute to its authenticity.
This film not only tells a true story but also helps us realize the value of human life. It speaks to us and asks whether we would be willing and able to serve someone faithfully for so long. Whether we often complain only about our pain while there are people around us who need our help far more.
You can watch the film "Breathe" on the Christian streaming platform Filmana.