Breathe: Into the Shadows

Breathe: Into the Shadows is a gripping psychological crime thriller streaming on the Amazon Prime video platform, first released in the year 2020. The series, a follow-up to the hit-show Breathe (2018), shares the thematic premise of desperate individuals resorting to unimaginable activities for their loved ones’ survival. Still, it sports a fresh narrative, independent of the events in its predecessor. Therefore, viewers can embark on this thrilling journey even without any prior exposure to the first season.

The storyline of Breathe: Into the Shadows is set against the bustling backdrop of metropolitan India, specifically in the busy city of New Delhi. The plot unravels through the labyrinth of deceit and desperation, revolving around Dr. Avinash Sabharwal and his wife, Abha. Both are successful individuals in their respective careers; Avinash is a renowned psychiatrist while Abha works as a professional chef in a leading hotel. Their idyllic life takes a devastating turn when their little daughter, Siya, mysteriously goes missing from a birthday party. Their frantic search fails to unearth any clues about her whereabouts, their worst fears coming true when they realize she has been kidnapped. Rather than asking for a ransom, the kidnapper sets forth a terrifying and gruesome demand: In order to save their daughter, Avinash must execute a lethal agenda.

Featuring Bollywood stalwart, Abhishek Bachchan, in the role of Dr. Avinash Sabharwal, Breathe: Into the Shadows marks Bachchan’s grand debut in the realm of web series. He delivers a compelling performance capturing the essence of a father driven to the brink of insanity to save his child. The show also stars acclaimed actress, Nithya Menen, who, as Abha Sabharwal, showcases a layered performance of strength, vulnerability, and determination. Amit Sadh and Saiyami Kher, portraying the tormented cop Kabir Sawant and the mysterious woman Ria, respectively, are remarkable and play pivotal roles in the plot’s progression.

The series traverses a macabre landscape dotted with murders, deceptions, and myriad twists and turns, testing the boundaries of the characters' morality. Fuelled by their love for their kidnapped daughter, Dr. Avinash struggles to reconcile his professional oaths and ethics with the chilling demand the kidnapper makes of him. A unique angle the show also explores is the duality of human nature, delving deep into dark personal recesses, hinting at the psychological underpinning to the events that unfold.

The narrative progression of Breathe: Into the Shadows is crisp and meticulous. Peppered with a string of unexpected twists and heart-thumping suspenseful moments, the show keeps the viewers constantly on their toes. Its arc is a labyrinthine puzzle where no character or plot element is inconsequential. Drawing references from mythological scripts, the series executes a complex layered narrative, shedding light on the inherent complexity of human nature and the thin line separating good and evil.

Breathe: Into the Shadows features an array of richly drawn characters that bring an added depth to the plot. Enhanced with brooding cinematography, intricate set designs, a foreboding background score, and a well-scripted storyline full of suspense and intrigue, the series is an enthralling watching experience. And, while the show explores some profoundly dark themes – of guilt, desperation, deceit, and moral ethics – it does so with sensitivity and nuance.

The show does require some suspension of disbelief on the part of the audience, with the quagmire of events often escalating into absurdity. However, the thought-provoking questions it poses about the essence of human nature and the limits one would breach for their loved ones, combined with the gripping performances of the cast, make it a deeply engaging watch.

In conclusion, Breathe: Into the Shadows is a captivating watch that serves a delicious cocktail of suspense, drama, and psychological intrigue. It is a story of ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary circumstances, testing their moral fiber and resilience. The show's atmospheric tension, superb performances, and careful narrative pacing make it a compelling addition to the thriller genre.