Depicting a dismal future the outlook in the movie The Last Man gives a chilling story of a calamity ridden past. The film now enters the home video market for a nearly two hour excursion into the realm of this dystopian apocalypse. Nicely filmed with a good cast, the movie portrays the disaster from the points of two men caught up in the major event. If you like films that involve a lot of chaos and dread, then check out this movie on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD.
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. Dealing with PTSD, he lives in a city in a world of disarray, 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 notorious 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 one other in an attempt to survive the effects 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 from 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 warfront of hell and the morbid scenes are troubling.
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 realistic portrayal of Jessica. While she’s intended to be a distraction for Kurt, her character becomes too easily swayed to go up against her father.
The Last Man has been rated R for language throughout, violence and some sexuality/nudity. The film has been released on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital HD. The first time through will be your best bet, but I watched it again to get more of a feel for the characters. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have scenes throughout that are inappropriate for youngsters.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A well-made exciting thriller for those who like apocalypse genre films. (4 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.
Video Release Date: March 12, 2019
Original Theatrical Release Date: January 18, 2019
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: 16×9 Aspect Ratio 2.40:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Number of Discs: 1 disc
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
