Last Days

Watched at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival

I'm sorry, but this movie really stinks. Creating a story about a misguided individual and exploring throughout their journey is a good concept as it offers an interesting take of a character study of a movie. Unfortunately Justin Lin fails to really serve its purpose and it ends up being more of a dull and rather frustrating experience.

John Allen Chau and what has happened to him is both frustrating and astonishing as the context of trying to spread religion to a group of uncivilized individuals is insanely idiotic, yet fascinating to know the fact that it actually happened. But it's clear Lin doesn't seem to understand how to handle some of the tone and atmosphere approaches. Implementing a narrative that is filled with traditional biographical cliches and messy structures, it lacks the emotional and focus impact it desires. Failing to really create an interesting observation about Chau and ends up being all over the place regarding what the message the movie wants to say. Is it want to sympathize with Chau or not? Because the direction and writing doesn't do a good job with it.

There are some good cinematography throughout which is one of the only good things about this movie. Unfortunately, the performances aren't very good and as much the actors are trying their best, their performances lack the emotional engagement and moment to shine. If you had known about Chau and read about what has happened, the narrative, character arches and development doesn't offer anything new.

I understand Justin Lin's approach to the story, but this one really doesn't work. I rather recommend Into the Wild or the documentary The Mission (2023).

Last Days (2025) is a biographical drama movie directed by Justin Lin and it follows a 26-year-old missionary who journeys to the remote North Sentinel Island, determined to convert an isolated tribe, while authorities attempt to intervene before potential harm occurs. This is a movie that I was interested in because of Justin Lin's involvement and I have say that this movie was god awful.

Positives for Last Days (2025): The actors are giving good performances in the movie.

Negatives for Last Days (2025): This movie doesn't feel like it was directed by Justin Lin, it was made by some first time filmmaker with no experience. The movie is too long for its own and the pacing drags the story down. The story isn't interesting and the characters are boring to follow. I also didn't care about what was going on in the story. And finally, I failed to understand the point of the story for this movie and why it was made in the first place.

Overall, Last Days (2025) is a boring slog of a biographical drama movie and easily the worst movie from Justin Lin as a filmmaker.

(10/10) I saw this film at the Sundance Film Festival, and it really stuck with me. It's one of those movies that feels both powerful and honest without ever trying too hard. The story builds quietly, but by the end it hits with real emotional weight.

Sky Yang delivers an outstanding performance, subtle, intense, and completely believable. He carries the film with a quiet strength that keeps you invested the whole way through. The rest of the cast and direction are equally strong, with beautiful visuals and a tone that keeps us watching.

I've been waiting for this movie to come out at the theaters so I plan to watch it again. Easily a 10-star film in my book.

Best,

Andrew Koponen.

Last Day (2025) tries to deliver an emotional and meaningful story, but it ends up being a weak film overall. The message it wants to send is clear from the beginning, yet the movie stretches it for too long in a way that feels repetitive and completely predictable. Instead of building a strong narrative or exploring its themes naturally, the film focuses too heavily on its evangelistic angle, which takes away from the flow of the story.

The acting is another major issue. Most performances feel flat and unconvincing, making it difficult to connect with the characters or care about their journey. Scenes that should have felt dramatic or emotional end up feeling empty simply because the actors don't bring enough depth or energy to their roles.

Visually and technically, the film does very little to stand out. The pacing drags, the scenes lack cohesion, and the direction seems unsure of how to balance message with entertainment.

Overall, Last Day (2025) is a disappointing watch with weak acting, a predictable message, and very little that leaves a lasting impression.