If You Were the Last

In fresh dramedy "If You Were The Last" astronauts Anthony Mackie & Zoe Chao are stranded alone in space for three years on a charmingly lo-tech spaceship (which is in no way authentic - that's not the film's vibe) with no comms to earth but food, air and batches of music & movies. To pass time they ponder issues like the pro's & cons of sleeping with each other - including the emotions involved (or lack thereof). Geoff Stults & especially Natalie Morales give good support, and Kristian Mercado directs with fine quirky style on his debut, matching debut writer Angela Bourassa's script that's more light, bright, chick-flick than legitimate sci-fi. A good, effective, original film.

At the point of this writing there was only one other review posted and I completely disagree with there opinion. I actually really enjoyed this movie. Unlike the other review I was immediately hooked. I found this movie, while I admit is fairly predictable, to be unique and original. It was quirky and poignant with a healthy dose of heart. Both main characters were relatable and, more importantly, likable. The acting was great. Production was fantastic. Music was spot on. Honestly, I have no complaints. Listen, this movie isn't going to be studied in film school anytime soon and it probably won't win many awards but, at a time when it seems like every movie is either a sequel or a remake or based on a toy from the 80's it's nice to see something different. I enjoyed it.

The storyline has some interesting beats, and the performances by the leads (Anthony Mackie & Zoe Chao) are endearing. While it's best not to dig greatly into the sci-fi aspects of the film, this is one of those films that's uplifted greatly by the camaraderie the protagonists share. Even routine activities carry a delightful charm, and given the isolated setting of the film, it also helps that both the leads are fantastic dancers.

The writing (especially, the dialogues) gives them both sufficient shades and spends time detailing their pop-culture preferences (music, cinema), making it easy to connect with their mindsets. A particular decision they decide to take (and the moral dilemma behind it) is presented quite nicely. The visuals exude a Wes Anderson-esque charm; the colors are rich and bright, making the environs of the "space box" really appealing. Some of the storytelling steam is lost in the final 30 minutes and the resolution to the film's core problem is rather quick, but it sure doesn't take much away from its watchability factor.

At first, I thought this movie was a time stretch...meaning it would've been a perfect tale for an anthology TV show but felt too stretched out to meet a standard movie length. But! Then I realized that it had effectively latched itself to my heart and made it ache for these characters. Well played! I very much appreciated that they didn't leave the story in space. I get that it's a whole vibe to leave movies on an open-ended note, but I prefer a nearly wrapped up bow. Call me unsophisticated, but I'm a sucker for a full love story. I also commend the team for managing to make a low-budget space movie that felt better than if it was done with and endless budget. The cutesy space stuff worked for me, it made it more endearing. Thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

I gave it an unequivocal nine (which I believe, if memory serves, I've only matched or exceeded for Rick and Morty and the EPIC David Attenbourough documentaries - seriously....) Bear in mind that I'm a 50 some odd, straight, single white guy and though I love a good, what we used to call 'chick flicks', but almost certainly wouldn't dare to these days - idk it just all worked for me - maybe I was stuck in a sentimental mood but, I mean literally I laughed I cried... Soooo ya know.... Run Dont walk!?? Lol - I hope you enjoy. (and if not, I mean I'd offer to refund your admission price but... I mean... Right?