Set between the sandstone colleges of Oxford and the salt-encrusted Aldeburgh coast, the film follows the tentative romance between university student, Otto (Daniel McNamee), and retired angler, John (Shaun Paul McGrath).

Breakwater is the first feature film to be made by students at the University since Privileged in 1982, which was produced by Andy Paterson and starred Hugh Grant. Oxford students made up the vast majority of the romantic drama's cast and crew, including four other Christ Church alumni: Minna Moody-Stuart (Chief Financial Officer), Jasper McBride-Owusu (Financial Assistant), Saphia Hussain (Violin Coach) and Mia Beechey (Assistant Hair and Makeup Artist).

The last week of the 26 day shoot took place in Oxford and Christ Church, including Max’s own student accommodation – a dark oak-panelled room that became the protagonist’s room in College. The crew wrapped production in the Christ Church Picture Gallery in April 2023.

After 18 months of post-production, Breakwater premiered at the Raindance Film Festival 2025, the UK’s largest independent film festival, where it was the most-nominated film. It also won Best Feature awards at the London Independent Film Festival and North East International Film Festival. The film is now available to stream online via Raindance Releasing.