WFG RATING: A

Paramount Pictures presents a Boardwalk Pictures production in association with Skydance Sports, GQ Studios, and Picturestart. Directed and edited by Michael John Warren. Produced by Michael John Warren, Erik Feig, Samie Kim Falvey, David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, Andrew Fried, Dane Lillegard, Jordan Wynn, Helen Estabrook, Sarah Amos, Lexy Altman, Katherine Dunn, Nan Sandle and Talin Middleton. Written by Michael John Warren; based on the GQ article “Secrets of the Deep” by Daniel Riley. Cinematography by Jeff Louis Peterman. 

Stars Alexey Molchanov.

The story of Alexey Molchanov’s attempt to break five freediving records along with the story of a future legend is highlighted in this documentary from Michael John Warren.

Russian-born freediver Natalia Molchanova is considered one of the best, if not the best freediver in the world. She has held 41 world records and 23 medals in the sport, which involves deep diving in the ocean and holding your breath for as long as possible. For years, she had trained her son Alexey, an all round natural athlete, in the sport until 2015. It was during a freedive in Spain that Natalia had disappeared and was never seen again. 

Alexey, while wondering what had happened to his mother, had not let the disappearance distract him. In fact, it became a motivator for him as he plans to honor his mother’s legacy by attempting to break five world records. With the help of fellow freedivers, some of who had known Natalia, Alexey plans to do something in a world where even the slightest margin of error can result in disaster. 

Upon watching this documentary, I didn’t know much about what freediving was and the introduction to this film gives us a lesson in what exactly the sport is. Some have deemed it competitive while others have said it is one of the most dangerous sports. Some have even claimed it is not a sport but more a reason for someone who wats to have an adrenaline surge to attempt it. However, the star of the film, Russian champion freediver and second generation star Alexey Molchanov, gives us a look at not only his attempt at world records, but learn about his life in the process.

Based on a GQ article about Molchanov and the art of freediving, we learn not only about Alexey, but his mother Natalia, who was also his mentor. We learn Alexey is an all around athlete who always had a need for competition. Whether it is band or taekwondo, Alexey found his calling in following in his mother’s footsteps. We see him training and preparing to keep the legacy alive with his attempts to break world records in single-fun, bi-fin, and no fin freediving. Learning his story, you will find yourself rooting for Alexey, hoping he achieves his mission and staying alive for his family, especially his wife and young son. 

Freediver is a fascinating look at a man who has a legacy he hopes to keep alive and his attempt at world greatness in a dangerous sport. You will want to root for Alexey Molchanov and hope he achieves his five world records.

The film is now available to buy and rent on Digital today (December 7)