Last Breath

Le dernier souffle

France | 2024 | 100 min

Language: French, English

Subtitles: English (partially)

Suitable for audiences aged 12 and above

Director(s): Costa-Gavras

Script: Costa-Gavras, based on the book by Claude Grange and Régis Debray

Cast: Denis Podalydès, Kad Merad, Marilyne Canto, Ángela Molina, Charlotte Rampling, Hiam Abbass, Karin Viard, Agathe Bonitzer, Élisabeth Quin, Xavier Legrand, Virginie Sibalo, Maria McClurg

Production: KG Productions

Distribution: Playtime

Drama

Society Masters Talking Point Body Memento Mori Matter of Mind Filmatisation

Screenings:

Acknowledged director Costa-Gavras explores in this deeply personal film what it means to face death in the 21st century. The film is based on an essay co-authored by philosopher Regis Debray and palliative care specialist Claude Grange.

The renowned author, Fabrice, is writing a book about hospitals and palliative care. As part of his research, he undergoes a brain MRI himself. While waiting for the results, Fabrice meets Augustin, a doctor at the palliative care unit, who begins to share his experiences working there.

Last Breath is built around Augustin’s stories. Through them, a broader picture of humanity gradually emerges—showing that dying, too, is a part of life. The film delves into its subject through dialogue-driven scenes that are both frank and intellectually engaging. Yet the central theme remains deeply human.

Although the backgrounds of palliative care patients vary widely, Costa-Gavras shows that as the end approaches, we are all equal.

Juho Lipponen