Learning to Breathe Under Water (2026)
Director: Rebekah Fortune
Cast: Rory Kinnear, Maria Bakalova, Ezra Carlisle, Declan Conlon
Did you know? The giant shark prop was built by a real-life artist using salvaged materials from a local scrapyard, and the filmmakers actually filmed most of the roof scenes during a heatwave to capture the shimmering, mirage-like effect of Leo’s fantasy world.
Why Watch: Dive into *Learning to Breathe Under Water*, a visually stunning and deeply moving indie gem that proves the most magical adventures aren’t in fantasy, but in embracing life’s beautiful chaos. With a giant shark on the roof and a story that blends childhood wonder with raw emotional truth, it’s a must-watch for anyone who’s ever needed a reminder that reality, messy as it is, is worth fighting for.
An eight-year-old boy named Leo finds his closest companion in a colossal shark sculpture his father, an artist, created on their rooftop. To cope with his unusual home life, Leo retreats into vivid imaginary realms—until a lively au pair dares him to dive into the beautifully chaotic adventure of the real world.