Den sista resan

I didn't know what to expect from this movie. The film has been in the theaters for a while. The film will be Sweden's Oscar contribution to the Oscars in 2025. Normally I do not like Filip and Fredrik, they are very loud and rowdy on their shows on TV. Figured I'd at least give it a chance, so I'll went and checked it out. My God, what a surprise I got. A film that is so moving with so much joy, laughter, tears and pure emotional experience. Got completely warm in the heart. I am so glad I went and watched the movie. I'm afraid to repeat myself, but this movie is probably the best movie I've seen this year. Have seen so many good movies this year. 2024 is a successful year for film indeed. You feel happy in the soul to walk out of the cinema with a big smile on your face. Enjoy, laugh, cry and feel the joy after watching this movie. This experience was worth every second of the movie. Watch the movie now.

Entering "Den sista resan" as an Australian, recently grieving the loss of my father, I found the film to be an incredible journey. Its universal appeal made it accessible, provoking both tears and laughter. As a documentary, it held me captive, and long after the credits rolled, I grappled with emotions, wishing I could call my dad. The film's straightforward approach illuminated harsh truths about life and aging, leaving an indelible impact. It's more than a documentary; it's a personal reflection on profound aspects of existence. Undoubtedly, it's a cinematic gem I'll revisit, finding solace in its poignant narrative and reliving the emotional rollercoaster.

As real life reality documentaries go, this is a real gem.

Filips father Lars, who is elderly and depressed, is treated to a 'last trip' to his beloved France by his son.

Using recordings from the past, super-8 films mixed with reality-style captures we are taken on an emotional father-son journey on multiple levels.

You have the actual trip but also the emotional journey taken by Filip and his father. We can se the love between a father and a son, and we can see how the son becomes the father, as the father becomes the son.

Lars slowly awakens and for the first time in many years, starts to live again.

This is a heart warming and beautiful story that is rare and it reminds us what family is, or can be.

My expectations were quite high after reading some reviews, but also from the duos own constant promotions for it in their podcast which became "a bit" much. As a podcast listener for many years, I am quite well informed about Filips family - including his fathers situation.

In many ways it was a nice idea for a film and it's hard not to feel with Lars's situation. I think he's a wonderful man. I do however agree with one of the reviewers it feels a little forced. Many scenes did not need Filip showing the audience how we should feel. I don't doubt that Filip loves his father and that he wants the best for him, but some of his rather forced emotions just ruins the moment for me. I fully get that it is movie and not a documentary - but this mix didn't really work for me personally. I don't understand how it can review so highly - perhaps it's just me that's odd.

The good thing is that Filip/Fredrik can donate a large part of their proceeds from this film. It is a large financial success with relatively low production costs, An idea would be to causes related to aging or elderly in Sweden getting better care and opportunities. THAT would squash any views about this feeling a little opportunistic. It would also be more in line with their political ideology and views, something that they share freely in their podcast. I'm not holding my breath.

It's an absolute masterpiece. What a gem of a movie. Tears, laughter, bitterness, kindness and everything between. Made me look at aging and retirement from many new angles. What a journey. It's also very well put together, the flow of the movie is just spot on, the cutting room really outdid themselves this time. It's for sure the best Swedish movie ever made and, for me, it was the best movie of all time. My guess is it will just blow the competition away at next year's Oscars, since it's Swedish. I guess it can "only" win the category for best foreign movie. Might be wrong here tho? Anyway, it's a must-see.