In The Heights (2021) Breathe <ORIGINAL ⟶>

: Leslie Grace's portrayal is widely praised as "fabulous" and "moving". Some critics, however, found this specific version less impactful than the stage original, feeling it was "vocally and emotionally underwhelming" compared to the high-stakes Broadway delivery.

: Some critics found the rapid film editing a distraction from the song's intimacy.

In the , the musical number "Breathe" serves as the emotional introduction to Nina Rosario, played by Leslie Grace. The song captures the internal struggle of a "first-generation" overachiever returning home after dropping out of Stanford University, burdened by the high expectations of her community. Critical Review of "Breathe" (2021 Movie) In the Heights (2021) Breathe

: Director Jon M. Chu uses the urban landscape—specifically fire escapes and the George Washington Bridge—to ground the internal monologue in a physical space. Critics note that Chu's "more-is-more" style occasionally risks sacrificing intimate character moments for spectacle, though the staging remains visually beautiful.

: In the film, Nina and Benny’s storyline is sometimes thinned out compared to the original musical. : Leslie Grace's portrayal is widely praised as

: Effective use of real Washington Heights locations.

: Reviewers highlight the song as a "fantastic" performance that effectively executes the heavy emotional weight of Nina's conflict. It illustrates her feeling of being a "disappointment" and the "dislocation from her old identity" as she walks through her old neighborhood. In the , the musical number "Breathe" serves

: Leslie Grace brings a soulful, relatable quality to the role.