Keep Breathing (2022) is a limited survival drama series created by Martin Gero and Brendan Gall, starring Melissa Barrera in a powerful and emotionally charged lead performance. The six-episode series blends intense physical survival with a deep psychological exploration of trauma, resilience, and personal growth.
The story begins with Liv Rivera, a high-powered attorney from New York City, who boards a small plane for a last-minute trip to a remote Canadian town. However, the plane crashes in the middle of the wilderness, leaving Liv as the sole survivor in an unforgiving and desolate landscape. With no immediate rescue in sight, she must rely on her instincts and resourcefulness to endure the harsh environment and find a way to stay alive.
As Liv struggles to navigate the wilderness, including finding food, water, and shelter, she also faces the emotional toll of isolation and fear. Her journey is interwoven with vivid flashbacks to her past, offering insight into her complex personality and her strained relationships with her estranged mother and a former romantic partner. These flashbacks reveal Livโs deep-seated emotional wounds, her fears of abandonment, and her relentless drive for success, which often came at the expense of her personal connections.
The show not only highlights Liv’s battle against external forces like the cold, wild animals, and dangerous terrain but also her internal battle with self-doubt, past mistakes, and unresolved pain. Her struggle becomes as much about emotional survival as physical survival, as she learns to confront her demons and find strength in vulnerability.
Beautifully shot against the backdrop of the Canadian wilderness, Keep Breathing delivers stunning visuals that heighten the tension and isolation Liv experiences. Melissa Barreraโs compelling performance captures Livโs transformation from a disconnected, driven individual to someone who reconnects with her humanity and inner strength.
Keep Breathing is not just a tale of survival but a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and healing. It explores themes of resilience, the human connection to nature, and the capacity for growth even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The series resonates as a story about finding hope and purpose in the most challenging circumstances.