Breathe: Into the Shadows is Amazon’s latest original series directed by Mayank Sharma and starring Abhishek Bachchan, Nithya Menen and Amit Sadh in lead roles. Breathe Into the Shadows season 2 has 8 episodes, each with a runtime of 45 minutes.
Amazon Prime Video describes the plot as:
J’s existence and ideology re-emerge as he sets out to finish what he started, leading Avinash to confront his merging dual identity. But this time around, he has a new partner-in-crime, Victor. Kabir Sawant must now fight the battle of his life as he protects the society that has become a victim in the endgame of this crazed saga.
– Breathe Into the Shadows Season 2 Review Does Not Contain Spoilers –
Breathe Into the Shadows season 2 comes back with Avinash and his psychosis, along with a mother’s determination to protect her child and family. If you thought the first season was a bit on the nose, wait till you start watching the second season!
Listen, Breathe Into the Shadows season 1 wasn’t the smartest bulb out there. However, with 12 episodes under its kitty, the series had at least the first few episodes to create a nice mystery and a thrilling atmosphere, if only to burn everything to the ground later on.
This time around, with only 8 episodes to boast, season 2 goes off the rails from the very first minute and delivers new information and a new twist after every few minutes. And sure, there really are a few interesting bits here but man, at 45 minutes, Breathe Into the Shadows season 2 is just too long for this and goes on the same rampage as the first one.
It’s one thing to see silliness the first time over. But seeing the same thing this time around just feels forced and unnecessary. Breathe 2 repeats itself a bit too much, showcasing similar issues and moral dilemmas as the first one but without the shock factor. Introducing new characters this time who have too much to do but of too little importance, the second season is a chore to watch.
But, I must say that I was moved by some of the backstories that link Avinash and J. Sure, they aren’t justification for the crimes being committed, but they, I guess, make sense at some point. Sometimes, it does get somewhat heartbreaking, and you find yourself questioning your own reasonings and justifications. Either way, though, these small moments don’t make up for the dullness and sluggish pacing of the series.
I think one of the major problems is that Breathe Into the Shadows season 2 is simply not relatable or believable in many ways. From the first episode itself, the thriller series is rather over-the-top and excessive. Sometimes, the silliness is even funny! The need for suspending your disbelief is such that, as a viewer, you are left scratching your head.
The later episodes are probably a bit better, or maybe you just get used to the absolute madness. Regardless, it’s certain that you will feel the lack of thrill in the series a bit too well in every episode. Also, I just cannot go behind how selfish the protagonists are. Their reasoning for doing what they do seems inappropriate at best and pure evil at worst. I cannot imagine losing your humanity in that way, and thus, you don’t have the motivation to back those whom you are supposed to.
Also Read: Amazon’s Breathe: Into the Shadows Review: Could’ve Been Better
The actors are great in the series and are maybe the best parts. It’s honestly great watching Abhishek Bachchan somewhere, he’s so good. So is Amit Sadh, who has almost no backstory and is only a way to push the story forward. Nithya Menen, however, has more to do this season and has more of a backstory, even if through Avinash.
Summing Up: Breathe Into the Shadows Season 2
Breathe Into the Shadows season 2 is just as, if not more, underwhelming than its predecessor. Its unbelievable and meandering plotline feels like it’s all over the place. Oh, you also get an underwhelming answer to the question from last season’s ending, pushed forward by glaring plot holes.
Breathe: Into the Shadows season 2 is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
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