Apnea (2011)
A Greek thriller-drama about a swimming champion whose life unravels after a passionate activist enters — and then vanishes from — his world.
Apnea - Movie Information
- Original Title: Άπνοια
- Release Year: 2011
- Directed by: Aris Bafaloukas
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Thriller, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: Greek
- Spoken Languages: Greek
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 13, 2011 (Greece)
- Alternative Titles: Apnea (UK)
- Production Companies: Greek Film Centre
- Production Countries: Greece
Apnea - Plot
Dimitris, a 23 yr. old swimming champion, meets Elsa, a yound environmental activist. Their relation, and her sudden dissaperance, make him re-evaluate his settled life.
Apnea - Trailer
See the world of Apnea come to life in the official trailer below.
The deeper you dive. The deeper you breathe.
Where to Watch Apnea
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Apnea - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Aris Bafaloukas
Main Cast
- Sotiris Pastras
- Youlika Skafida
- Yorgos Karamihos
- Andriana Babali
- Akilas Karazisis
- Vagelis Rokos
- Iro Moukiou
- Nikos Nikolaou
- Lydia Fotopoulou
- Giorgos Symeonidis
Writers
- Giannis Tsiros
Apnea - FAQs
What is Apnea about?
Apnea follows Dimitris, a 23-year-old Greek swimming champion whose ordered, competitive life is thrown into question when he meets Elsa, a passionate environmental activist. Their relationship deepens quickly, but when Elsa suddenly disappears, Dimitris is forced to confront everything he thought he knew about himself and his future.
What does the ending of Apnea mean?
The ending of Apnea is deliberately open-ended, leaving Elsa's fate ambiguous. It functions less as a resolution and more as a turning point for Dimitris — the disappearance acts as a catalyst, symbolizing the cost of complacency and the irreversible nature of change once you've truly connected with someone.
Where can you watch Apnea online?
You can check current streaming availability for Apnea on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country.
Is Apnea based on a true story?
Apnea is not based on a specific true story. It's an original dramatic thriller written by Giannis Tsiros and directed by Aris Bafaloukas. The film draws on broader themes of identity, environmental awareness, and personal transformation rather than any documented real-life events.
Who are the main actors in Apnea?
The film stars Sotiris Pastras as the swimming champion Dimitris and Youlika Skafida as Elsa, the environmental activist at the heart of the story. The supporting cast includes Yorgos Karamihos, Andriana Babali, Akilas Karazisis, Lydia Fotopoulou, and Giorgos Symeonidis, among others.
What themes does Apnea explore?
Apnea dives into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the tension between a structured athletic life and the unpredictability of human connection. Environmental activism also runs through the narrative, giving the film a quietly political undercurrent alongside its more personal, emotional core.
Who directed Apnea and who wrote it?
Apnea was directed by Aris Bafaloukas and written by Giannis Tsiros. The film was produced with support from the Greek Film Centre and released in Greece in January 2011. It represents a character-driven entry in contemporary Greek cinema.
What are some movies similar to Apnea?
If Apnea's blend of thriller tension and personal drama appeals to you, similar films worth exploring include Lila & Eve, Hellion, and 6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain — all of which center on characters pushed to their limits by loss, circumstance, or a sudden rupture in their everyday lives.
More About Apnea
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