Finn Cole knows the power of love firsthand — even when it’s tested by extreme circumstances.
“We’ve all, if we’re lucky enough, to have loved in our life,” Cole, 28, exclusively shared with Us Weekly at the film’s New York premiere on Tuesday, February 25. “It really helps in any performance because it affects so many stories.
In Last Breath, Cole plays real-life saturation diver Chris Lemons, who finds himself trapped 300 feet underwater with only minutes of oxygen left. While the film is a high-stakes survival thriller, Cole says it’s the love story at its core that anchors the film.
“I think the relationship between Chris and Morag was more representative of the struggles saturation divers have when they have to leave their families, friends, and people,” Cole explained to Us. “It’s opening up a conversation for anyone that has to work abroad and be away from the ones that they love for long periods of time.”
He added, “Make sure you’re giving love to the people that are around you because you never know what’s gonna happen.”
Cole stars alongside Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu in the film, which is based on the 2019 documentary of the same name. They play a trio of saturation divers on a routine repair expedition when an unforeseen storm leaves them fighting for survival at the bottom of the North Sea. Cole and Liu, 35, both committed to three months of intensive scuba training to prepare for the shoot.
“My dad was a really keen scuba diver, but before we were born,” Cole shared, explaining that his father was an avid diver before starting a family.
“On holiday one year, he was like, ‘There’s an opportunity to take you diving.’ So we went out with some instructors, and me and my four brothers just became obsessed. We really enjoyed it.”
Last Breath marks a pivotal moment in Cole’s career, following his breakout role as fan-favorite Michael Gray on Peaky Blinders. With a highly anticipated Peaky Blinders movie in the works, Cole admitted he was “absolutely gutted” to miss visiting the set.
“I was away while they were filming,” Cole said. “I’m so excited to watch it. I’m so proud of that show and all the people involved. They’re absolutely awesome and I can’t wait for the movie. It’s going to be amazing.”
Last Breath is now playing in theaters everywhere.
