Dark, dismal and dangerous the movie The Last Man enters theater houses for a nearly two hour excursion into the realm of a dystopian apocalypse. Nicely filmed with a good cast, the movie portrays the disaster from the aspect of two men caught up in a power play to survive the major event while being contested by the leader of a street gang. If you like films that involve a lot of chaos and dread, then check out this movie on the big screen at your local theater.
After getting released from his stretch in the military due to mental stress, Kurt (Hayden Christensen) has returned to his former city after many years of service. Damaged with PTSD, he lives in a city in a world of chaos, both mental and treacherous. This compounded with very little funds and a weak will to deal with the apocalyptic storm that’s bearing down on him, he wanders within the streets of displaced people bartering for supplies.
On this one occasion he unavoidably finds himself in the middle in a robbery and assault lead by a crazy man who’s a member of a street gang. It’s routine in the city and he shrugs it off in time to notice a crowd circling the prophet Noe (Harvey Keitel) that’s addressing them. He describes the world they are living in as ominous and the reasons why there is no end to it except final doom. Noe approaches Kurt and they align with each other in an attempt to survive the affects of the growing apocalyptic danger.
Director and co-writer Rodrigo H. Vila does a very good job of envisioning the depravation within the city showing its decaying buildings, rag dressed people, and the strange aura from an impending storm. It’s some of the best cinematography I’ve seen in a long time using very little CGI and low light photography. He guides his actors through some scary situations while they dig in for protection from predators. In addition there’s always a threat the mastermind bosses, especially Antonio (Marco Leonardi) as security owner and head intimidator Gomez (Rafael Spregelburd). For a little spice, Vila adds the character Jessica (Liz Solari) the daughter of Antonio who has grown to hate her situation under the thumb of her father.
The set designs and locations are very good from small dank living quarters, scrawny jail cells, to the richness of the security boss who controls most everything. The costumes present a population that’s bordering on homeless and the make-up team does a good job of showing the effects of their tough existence. The opening war scenes show a battle on the war front of hell and the morbid scenes are very disturbing.
Both Haden Christensen and Harvey Keitel give good performances as the two main protagonists. Especially Christensen as Kurt who has to go through many changes in looks and personality. Keitel takes on a role he’s familiar with spouting the end of the world dialogue while looking out for himself. Both characters work together well showing their determination to survive under the circumstances. As for Solari, she’s more eye candy than a spot on portrayal of Jessica. While she’s intended to be a distraction for Kurt, her character becomes too easily swayed to turncoat her father.
The Last Man has been rated R for language throughout, violence and some sexuality/nudity. With the lowlighted scenes during the course of the movie, it’s best to see the film at the theater presented on their big screen in a darkened auditorium rather than a home setting. The film will be released in theaters and on VOD starting today. Check your local listings for a showing near you.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A well-made exciting thriller for those who like apocalypse films. (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Hayden Christensen, Harvey Keitel, Marco Leonardi, Liz Solari, Fernan Miras, Justin Kelly, Rafael Spregelburd, Javier Kussrow, Justin Clouden,
Directed and co-written by: Rodrigo H. Vila
Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-fi
MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, violence and some sexuality/nudity
Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min.
Opening Date: January 18, 2019
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
Released in: Standard
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
