Movie Overview
And Breathe Normally is a compelling 2018 drama that explores the intersection of poverty and immigration in Iceland. Directed by Isold Uggadottir, the film stars Kristín Þóra Haraldsdóttir as Lara, a struggling single mother on the verge of losing her job and home, and Babetida Sadjo as Adja, a asylum seeker from Guinea-Bissau who is facing immediate deportation. When their paths cross at the airport where Lara works as a border patrol trainee, the two women form an unlikely bond that forces them to confront their own precarious situations. The narrative focuses on their desperate attempts to stabilize their lives, highlighting the systemic challenges they face. Uggadottir’s direction brings a quiet, observational realism to the story, emphasizing the emotional landscapes of the characters over dramatic contrivances. The production, a collaboration between Iceland, Sweden, and Belgium, benefits from stark, atmospheric cinematography that mirrors the cold economic and social realities of the setting. And Breathe Normally delves into themes of motherhood, survival, and the human capacity for empathy under pressure. The film received critical acclaim, holding a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 77/100 score on Metacritic. It also garnered 8 wins and 22 nominations at various film festivals, including the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting at Sundance. For viewers interested in socially relevant cinema, you can watch And Breathe Normally on Netflix. This moving drama is a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven stories that offer a nuanced look at the global refugee crisis and economic hardship.
