New Movies: The Last Breath (2024) by Costa Gavras: A Poignant Dialogue on Life, Death, and Aging

Core Summary

The Last Breath (2024) (Original French title: Le Dernier Souffle) is a poignant and deeply humanist drama film directed by the acclaimed 92-year-old filmmaker Costa Gavras, a master traditionally known for his powerful political thrillers (Z, Missing, State of Siege). This film marks a significant shift in his focus, exploring entirely different and more intimate issues. It centers on a series of philosophical dialogues between a renowned writer, Fabrice Toussaint (Denis Podalydès), and a palliative care doctor, Augustin Masset (Kad Merad). As the writer joins the doctor on his rounds in a hospital, observing patients in their final moments, these meetings compel him to confront his own anxieties about aging, the inevitable reality of death, and the desire to pass away on one's own terms. The film is described as an "ultimately uplifting" and sensitive exploration of universal themes: life, death, the ties that bind us, imbued with warmth, wisdom, and deep respect for human life.

Short Summary

Costa Gavras' The Last Breath (2024) is a deeply humanist drama where a renowned writer, observing a palliative care doctor's work, confronts his own fears of aging and death through philosophical dialogues. This poignant film explores life's end with warmth, wisdom, and subtle humor.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32365122/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/467665/

About movie: https://playtime.group/film/6616b8d2d527400002a1d92d

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/be/film/le-dernier-souffle (Belgium)

Detailed Summary

The Last Breath (2024) (French: Le Dernier Souffle) is a drama film directed by the legendary Franco-Greek filmmaker Costa Gavras. At 92 years old (at the time of the film's production), Costa Gavras, widely celebrated for his incisive political thrillers such as Z, Missing, and State of Siege, shifts his focus to a deeply personal and philosophical exploration of life, death, and the human condition in the face of mortality. He also co-wrote the screenplay and served as a producer.

• Release and Festival Presence: The film had its theatrical release in France on February 12, 2025. It has been an official selection at several prestigious film festivals in 2024 and 2025, including the San Sebastián International Film Festival (2024), Stockholm International Film Festival (2024), Valladolid International Film Festival (2024), International Film Festival Rotterdam (2025), and Mastercard OFF CAMERA (2025). Its US domestic box office was limited, with a release date of July 26, 2024, grossing a small amount. Its international box office performance is also limited at around $236,298 (as of December 2024). It is listed with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes (99-100 minutes) and is in French.

• Central Premise: The narrative is primarily structured around a series of philosophical discussions and intimate encounters between two main characters:

  • Fabrice Toussaint (Denis Podalydès): A popular or renowned writer.

  • Dr. Augustin Masset (Kad Merad): A specialist in palliative care.

• A Journey of Reflection: The writer joins the doctor on his daily rounds in a hospital, providing him with a first-hand look at end-of-life care. He observes the patients, hears their stories, witnesses their reactions, and sees the bonds they form with the hospital staff. Each patient's needs in their final moments are unique – some seek family closeness, others a conversation about the afterlife, or simply a comforting touch.

• Confronting Mortality: These visits and encounters profoundly impact Fabrice Toussaint, forcing him to confront his own anxieties about aging and his inevitable mortality. The dialogues between the writer and the doctor become a sensitive journey that blends laughter and tears, exploring universal questions about the end of life and what it means to die on one's own terms.

• Themes: The film is described as a "poignant, deeply humanist story" that delicately explores themes of:

  • Aging and Mortality: The anxieties associated with getting older and facing the end of life.

  • Dignity in Death: The desire to have agency and choice in one's final moments.

  • Life and Death: A profound reflection on these fundamental existential questions and the delicate balance between them.

  • Human Connection: The importance of empathy, compassion, and the bonds that tie us to each other, especially in vulnerable moments.

  • Grief and Acceptance: The process of coming to terms with loss, both for the dying and their loved ones.

  • Philosophical Dialogue: The film uses the conversations between the writer and doctor to delve into deeper existential and ethical considerations.

• Cast: The main cast includes Denis Podalydès as the writer Fabrice Toussaint and Kad Merad as Dr. Augustin Masset. The film also features a strong ensemble of supporting actors, including Charlotte Rampling, Ángela Molina, Hiam Abbass, Marilyne Canto, and others, who portray various patients and staff, adding richness to the human tapestry.

• Production Details: The film is a French production. It was produced by KG Productions, with Costa Gavras, Michèle Ray Gavras, and Alexandre Gavras credited as producers.

Plot Summary

• Philosophical Encounter: Renowned writer Fabrice Toussaint begins a series of philosophical discussions with palliative care doctor Augustin Masset.

• Hospital Immersion: Toussaint accompanies Dr. Masset on his daily rounds, observing patients in their final stages of life.

• Confronting Personal Fears: Through these intimate encounters, Toussaint is forced to grapple with his own anxieties about aging and his impending mortality.

• Exploring Dignified Endings: The film delves into various patient stories, highlighting different needs and desires for dignity and closure at the end of life.

• Universal Reflection: The dialogues between the writer and doctor evolve into a profound reflection on life, death, human connection, and the importance of dying on one's own terms, blending moments of humor and emotion.

Director's Vision

Costa Gavras's vision for The Last Breath (2024) marks a profound and deeply personal shift in his filmmaking. While renowned for his political thrillers, this film is a "poignant, deeply humanist story" that aims to address the universal anxieties surrounding aging and death with warmth, wisdom, and respect. His vision emphasizes:

• Humanism over Politics: Unlike his earlier works, Gavras prioritizes the intimate human experience over grand political narratives. He seeks to capture the nuances of individual lives at their most vulnerable.

• Philosophical Exploration: The core of the film is the intellectual and emotional journey undertaken through philosophical dialogues. Gavras uses these conversations to delve into existential questions about life, its meaning, and how we approach its inevitable end.

• Dignity in Dying: A key aspect of his vision is to explore the concept of "passing away on one's own terms," advocating for empathy and individualized care in palliative settings.

• Emotional Nuance: The film aims to blend "emotion and reflection," including "light-hearted moments" and "humor," preventing the somber subject matter from becoming overwhelming. This highlights Gavras's desire for a sensitive yet realistic portrayal.

• Observational Storytelling: By structuring the film around the writer's observations of the doctor's rounds, Gavras employs an observational style that allows for intimate glimpses into diverse human experiences in the face of death.

• A Personal Reflection: At 92, Gavras's decision to make a film about aging and mortality is deeply personal, allowing him to channel his own reflections into a shared human experience.

Key Themes

• Mortality and Aging: The central exploration of human finitude, the process of aging, and confronting death.

• Palliative Care and End-of-Life Dignity: The film sheds light on the sensitive work of palliative care doctors and the importance of allowing individuals to die with dignity and on their own terms.

• Existential Reflection: Philosophical dialogues prompt contemplation on the meaning of life, the nature of existence, and the afterlife.

• Human Connection and Empathy: The profound bonds formed between patients, doctors, and family members in the face of death.

• Acceptance and Fear: The emotional journey of grappling with the inevitable, including fear of the unknown and the search for acceptance.

• Wisdom and Legacy: The passing of wisdom and life lessons from those facing their final moments to those who are still living.

Key Success Factors

• Veteran Director's Personal Touch: Costa Gavras's shift to such a personal and intimate subject, at his age, lends significant weight and poignancy to the film.

• Strong Lead Performances: Denis Podalydès and Kad Merad, supported by an impressive ensemble including Charlotte Rampling and Ángela Molina, are crucial to carrying the philosophical weight and emotional depth.

• Universal Subject Matter: Life, death, and aging are themes that resonate with every audience member, regardless of background.

• Humanist Approach: The film's focus on dignity, compassion, and human connection makes it deeply moving and relatable.

• Festival Recognition: Official selections at major international film festivals provide prestige and draw attention to the film's artistic merit.

Awards and Nominations

The Last Breath (2024) has garnered significant attention and official selections at several prestigious film festivals:

• San Sebastián International Film Festival 2024: Official Selection.

• Stockholm International Film Festival 2024: Official Selection (Masters section).

• Valladolid International Film Festival 2024: Official Selection.

• International Film Festival Rotterdam 2025: Official Selection.

• Mastercard OFF CAMERA (Poland) 2025: Official Selection.

While specific awards or nominations are still emerging, the film has received strong critical acclaim from early festival reviews.

Critical Reception

Critical reception for The Last Breath (2024) has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising Costa Gavras's shift to a more intimate and humanist subject. It's described as a "poignant, deeply humanist story" that is both "poignant and sensitive."

• Deadline: Hailed it as "A truly marvelous film" and "A softly reflective and profoundly moving drama."

• Cineuropa: Described it as an "ultimately uplifting film falling halfway between pedagogical tragicomedy and rugged yet truthful philosophical tale on the eminently delicate subject of death." They also praised the "solid performances from two kind and empathetic lead actors and some brilliant supporting roles."

• DMovies: Called it "therapeutic cinema at its finest."

• The Film Verdict: Noted that "[The film] is honestly moving; not sentimental but realistically sensitive."

• Sortiraparis.com: Described it as a "poignant reflection on life and death" that "delicately explores the themes of the end of life and fatality" and promises to be a "human exploration imbued with gentleness, humor and emotion." They also noted that Costa Gavras "ventures here into more intimate territory, while retaining his signature fine analysis of the human condition."

• Troubled Productions (for a different film of the same name, but some reviews might overlap due to search queries): This review appears to be for a different film also titled "Last Breath" (a survival thriller). The provided search results occasionally conflate information for two different films with the same title. However, the core details for Costa Gavras's film, including its plot, cast, and themes, are consistent across multiple reputable sources.

The overall critical consensus for Costa Gavras's The Last Breath highlights its warmth, wisdom, and deep respect for human life, marking it as a significant and moving late-career work from the veteran director.

Reviews

Reviews for The Last Breath (2024) consistently emphasize its profound and sensitive exploration of aging and mortality:

• Humanist Approach: Critics praise the film for its deeply empathetic and compassionate portrayal of individuals facing the end of life, avoiding melodrama in favor of genuine humanism.

• Philosophical Depth: The dialogues between the writer and the palliative care doctor are highlighted as the core of the film, providing a rich platform for intellectual and emotional reflection on existential questions.

• Strong Ensemble Cast: The performances of Denis Podalydès and Kad Merad are highly lauded for their chemistry and ability to convey complex emotions. The supporting cast, particularly Charlotte Rampling and Ángela Molina, are also noted for their impactful portrayals of patients.

• Emotional Resonance: The film is described as "moving," "poignant," and capable of inspiring both laughter and tears, connecting deeply with universal experiences of grief, fear, and acceptance.

• Costa Gavras's Evolution: Reviewers often marvel at the 92-year-old director's shift from political thrillers to such an intimate subject, seeing it as a testament to his versatility and enduring talent. His signature "fine analysis of the human condition" is noted as still present.

• Warmth and Wisdom: The film is frequently described as having a warm and wise tone, offering a contemplative and respectful perspective on a difficult subject.

Box Office

The Last Breath (2024) has had a limited theatrical release, primarily in Europe.

• Total International Box Office (as of late 2024/early 2025): Approximately $236,298.

• Domestic (USA) Box Office: Approximately $3,214 (from a very limited release in July 2024).

• Key International Markets: Russia/CIS ($179,071), Turkey ($57,227).

• French Theatrical Release: February 12, 2025.

Its box office performance is modest, typical for a contemplative drama, and its impact will be more in its critical reception and festival presence rather than broad commercial success.

Production Summary

The Last Breath (2024) is a French drama film with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes (99-100 minutes). It was written and directed by Costa Gavras.

Production Companies

• KG Productions (France)

Sales Companies

Playtime Group is listed as handling international sales for The Last Breath (2024).

Distribution Companies

• Bac Films (France - Theatrical)

• RLJ Entertainment / IFC Films (USA - Theatrical, limited)

• Various local distributors in other international markets (e.g., in Russia/CIS, Turkey, UK, Netherlands, Japan, Mexico).

No specific streaming distribution has been confirmed, but it might become available on VOD platforms or specialized streaming services after its theatrical windows. Some search results for a film with the same title refer to "Peacock" or "Apple TV," but those appear to be for a different "Last Breath" film (a survival thriller from 2025).

Streaming Release Date

A specific, widespread streaming release date for Costa Gavras's The Last Breath (2024) is not yet confirmed. It had a limited theatrical run and festival screenings. Please note that search results often conflate this film with another 2024/2025 survival thriller also titled "Last Breath," which has VOD and streaming release dates. For Costa Gavras's film, digital/streaming availability will likely follow its French theatrical release.

Theatrical Release

The Last Breath (2024) had its theatrical release in France on February 12, 2025. It also had a limited theatrical release in the United States on July 26, 2024, and various limited international theatrical runs in countries like Russia (April 3, 2024), Turkey (November 29, 2024), and the UK (February 28, 2025).

Why to Recommend the Movie

• A Master's New Direction: Witness the legendary Costa Gavras tackle a deeply personal and philosophical subject, showcasing his versatility and enduring talent.

• Profound and Humanist Story: It's a poignant exploration of aging, death, and the meaning of life, told with immense warmth and respect.

• Exceptional Acting: Features strong performances from Denis Podalydès and Kad Merad, supported by acclaimed actors like Charlotte Rampling and Ángela Molina.

• Thought-Provoking Dialogue: The film's philosophical discussions offer rich material for reflection on universal existential questions.

• Emotionally Resonant: It promises to be a moving experience that balances difficult themes with moments of gentleness, humor, and deep human connection.

Why to Watch the Movie

• If you are a fan of Costa Gavras's work: See a different, intimate side of his filmmaking while still appreciating his keen insight into the human condition.

• For those interested in discussions on life, death, and aging: The film provides a sensitive and wise exploration of these universal themes.

• If you enjoy character-driven dramas with philosophical depth: The interactions between the writer and the doctor are central to the film's power.

• To experience a nuanced portrayal of palliative care: The film respectfully depicts the complexities of end-of-life care and the dignity of patients.

• For a film that is both emotional and intellectual: It aims to move you while also making you think deeply.

Movie Trend

The film aligns with the trend of Late-Career Auteur Filmmakers Exploring Personal Themes, where veteran directors use their established voice to address intimate subjects like aging and mortality. It also falls into the category of Humanist Dramas that prioritize character and philosophical exploration over plot-driven action. Furthermore, its focus on end-of-life care and the dignity of dying taps into a growing interest in Medical and Ethical Dramas within cinema.

Social Trend

The Last Breath (2024) directly engages with the significant global social trend of Aging Populations and End-of-Life Care. As societies grapple with increasing numbers of elderly individuals, there's a growing conversation around the quality of palliative care, the importance of dying with dignity, and the emotional impact of mortality on families. The film reflects a societal desire to open up discussions around Death Positivity or at least a more open and compassionate approach to the dying process. Its focus on philosophical dialogue also aligns with a renewed public interest in Existential Questions and the meaning of life in a rapidly changing world.

Final Verdict

The Last Breath (2024), directed by the legendary Costa Gavras, marks a profound and deeply moving shift in the esteemed filmmaker's career. Moving from his iconic political thrillers, Gavras delivers a poignant and humanist drama that explores the universal anxieties of aging and mortality through the philosophical dialogues between a renowned writer and a palliative care doctor. With powerful and sensitive performances from Denis Podalydès and Kad Merad, complemented by an impressive ensemble cast including Charlotte Rampling and Ángela Molina, the film offers an intimate and wise reflection on life, death, and the importance of dying on one's own terms. Critically acclaimed for its warmth, emotional depth, and respectful portrayal of a difficult subject, The Last Breath is a significant and essential work from a master director, inviting audiences to contemplate fundamental questions about the human condition.

Recommendations for filmmakers

• Dare to Shift Focus: Filmmakers, even those with established reputations in a specific genre, should consider exploring new thematic territory that resonates personally, as it can lead to deeply authentic and impactful work.

• Prioritize Dialogue and Character: For films centered on philosophical or intimate themes, invest heavily in strong, nuanced dialogue and fully developed characters. The power of conversation can be as compelling as action.

• Embrace the Poignancy of Aging: Recognize the richness of stories involving older characters and the universal themes associated with aging, memory, and legacy.

• Consult Experts for Sensitive Topics: When portraying complex subjects like palliative care, collaborate with professionals to ensure accuracy and sensitivity, building credibility and authenticity.

• Allow for Emotional Complexity: Create films that can evoke both laughter and tears, blending humor with poignant moments to provide a more realistic and engaging emotional experience.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Auteurial Evolution: Encourage and fund projects from established directors who are exploring new artistic directions and personal narratives, as these films often bring critical acclaim and contribute to the art form.

• Invest in Humanist Dramas: Recognize the enduring audience for films that prioritize character development, emotional depth, and philosophical themes, often with universal appeal.

• Promote Films on End-of-Life Issues: Actively seek out and distribute films that sensitively address aging, mortality, and palliative care, as these subjects are increasingly relevant and can foster important societal discussions.

• Champion Diverse Perspectives on Universal Themes: Support films from various international backgrounds that offer unique cultural lenses on fundamental human experiences.

• Value Critical Acclaim over Pure Box Office: Understand that certain films, while not blockbusters, can achieve significant artistic and cultural impact through festival success and critical recognition, enriching the cinematic landscape.

Final Conclusions

The Last Breath (2024), directed by the legendary Costa Gavras, marks a profound and deeply moving shift in the esteemed filmmaker's career. Moving from his iconic political thrillers, Gavras delivers a poignant and humanist drama that explores the universal anxieties of aging and mortality through the philosophical dialogues between a renowned writer and a palliative care doctor. With powerful and sensitive performances from Denis Podalydès and Kad Merad, complemented by an impressive ensemble cast including Charlotte Rampling and Ángela Molina, the film offers an intimate and wise reflection on life, death, and the importance of dying on one's own terms. Critically acclaimed for its warmth, emotional depth, and respectful portrayal of a difficult subject, The Last Breath is a significant and essential work from a master director, inviting audiences to contemplate fundamental questions about the human condition.