‘Learning to Breathe Under Water’ Review: A Shark in the Roof Covers a Hole in the Heart in an Empathetic Crowdpleaser

New Delhi, India Jul 10, 2026 ALN: The Headington Shark, a 25-foot fibreglass model of a shark, is an iconic piece of protest art that has captured the attention of both locals and tourists alike since its installation in 1986. Perched on the roof of a terraced house in suburban Oxford, England, this unusual sculpture was created by sculptor John Buckley in collaboration with homeowner Bill Heine as a symbolic statement against nuclear warfare and military airstrikes. The shark's striking presence has made it a point of curiosity, provoking thoughts about the deeper narratives behind its creation and the emotional landscapes of those who encounter it. Now, decades later, the film "Learning to Breathe Under Water" takes this peculiar artwork as its inspiration, weaving a fictional narrative that explores themes of grief, healing, and the complexities of familial relationships.

Directed by Rebekah Fortune, in her second feature film, "Learning to Breathe Under Water" introduces viewers to a story that is both poignant and relatable, featuring a sunny au pair who steps into the lives of a closed-off widower and his eight-year-old son. This premise, while familiar, is elevated by the heartfelt performances of the cast, including Maria Bakalova, Rory Kinnear, and the emerging talent Ezra Carlisle. The film has garnered a warm reception at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where it premiered in the Special Screenings sidebar, indicating its potential to resonate with audiences on the festival circuit and beyond.

The film's narrative unfolds in a nondescript Irish town where Peter (played by Rory Kinnear), a middle-aged British artist, and his son Leo (Ezra Carlisle) have been navigating life in the aftermath of the death of Peter's wife and Leo's mother. Their existence is marked by a quiet routine, heavily influenced by Peter's ongoing struggle with grief and depression. The shark, a remnant of Peter's past grief, serves as both a literal and metaphorical representation of their emotional state. Installed during a tumultuous time in his life, the shark symbolizes Peter's attempt to externalize his pain, though he remains reluctant to share its significance with anyone, preferring to retreat into his own world.

Leo, on the other hand, is a bright and curious child who craves connection but is constrained by the emotional weight of his father's sorrow. He keeps his school friends separate from his home life, where the shadow of grief looms large. The film poignantly captures the ways in which children process trauma, as Leo finds solace in speaking to the shark, treating it as a confidant in his otherwise lonely existence. This one-sided therapy reflects a child's attempt to make sense of their world, revealing the depth of his emotional landscape while highlighting the challenges of growing up in a household overshadowed by loss.

The arrival of Anya (Maria Bakalova), a free-spirited Bulgarian au pair seeking a place to stay, marks a turning point in the narrative. Initially hesitant to invite anyone into their somber home, Peter ultimately recognizes the need for help in managing their household dynamics. Anya's character injects a much-needed dose of warmth and lightness into their lives, as she embodies kindness and cheerfulness that gradually begins to penetrate the walls Peter has built around himself. Her presence becomes a catalyst for change, particularly for Leo, who flourishes under her care, revealing the transformative power of compassion and connection.

As the story unfolds, Peter's journey toward healing is portrayed with sensitivity and realism. The film avoids the pitfalls of overly dramatic transformations, instead opting for a nuanced exploration of incremental change. Richard Brabin's script balances quirky humor with genuine emotional depth, allowing for moments of levity amidst the heavier themes of grief and recovery. The interactions between Anya, Peter, and Leo showcase the complexities of human relationships, as they navigate their individual struggles while learning to support one another.

Rebekah Fortune's previous work, the 2017 film "Just Charlie," was celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of a young person's journey through gender dysphoria and trans awakening. In "Learning to Breathe Under Water," Fortune once again demonstrates her ability to articulate complex emotional struggles from a youthful perspective. Leo's narration, punctuated by whimsical animated intrusions that reflect his imaginative mind, adds an endearing layer to the storytelling. This technique not only emphasizes Leo's unique worldview but also serves to engage audiences of all ages, making the film accessible and relatable.

Visually, the film employs a distinct color palette to convey the characters' emotional states. The ocean-blue hues of the house interiors, dictated by Peter, contrast sharply with the sunny yellows of his wife's personal effects, which are stored away in the attic. This visual shorthand effectively communicates the characters' psychological landscapes, illustrating the weight of grief that permeates their home. However, while the film excels in many areas, it occasionally takes shortcuts in its storytelling. A third-act shift toward recovery may feel rushed, and some of the dialogue, particularly Anya's speech about the symbolic significance of the shark, can come off as overly explicit.

Despite these minor shortcomings, "Learning to Breathe Under Water" successfully navigates the delicate terrain of trauma and healing, offering a narrative that resonates across generational divides. The film does not condescend to its young protagonist; rather, it acknowledges the complexities of adult life that Leo may not fully grasp yet, such as the reasons behind loss, the nature of human relationships, and the peculiarities of life—like why a shark might be perched on a roof. Through its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters, the film invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences with grief and the importance of connection in the healing process.

Ultimately, "Learning to Breathe Under Water" is a charming and empathetic exploration of the human condition, grounded in the realities of loss and the potential for renewal. It serves as a reminder that even in the depths of despair, there is hope for healing and connection, and that sometimes, the most unexpected elements—like a shark on a roof—can serve as powerful symbols of our emotional journeys.