The Last Boy

I love independent movies especially those brave enough to try something new and make it work. The Last Boy is one of those movies. A hidden gem. A mini odyssey that will stand the test of time and is pitched just right. I was pulled in straight away and compelled to stay the course. The casting is excellent, the performances nuanced and the ending is something you won't have seen before. You might come out this film scratching your head. You might come out not liking it. Maybe even angry. But If you come out of the end of this film feeling nothing in your heart then there is something very wrong with you.

This film raises a lot of interesting questions about the nature of humanity, conscience, love, etc. which, honestly, I'd never thought to ask before, and don't care enough to answer now that they HAVE been asked. That's not to say I didn't like the movie. I did.

But here's the thing, the paradox of this film: It didn't bother me that a lot of the film is slow and and at times confusing, it's never boring because I was inexorably drawn to wanting to know what the destination was.

And the weird thing is, I can't figure out why. I could not tear my eyes away.

I don't know if I can recommend this film to others or not, because I have no idea if anyone else will share my particular sentiments especially when it comes to the ending. I don't know who will understand it and who won't, or who will even think it's worth trying to understand. There are, of course, some people who absolutely love it, and probably even some who understand it (or think they do), because... well maybe because of the words of Rumi give people something to hold onto. Which in itself is a very clever thing to do because reading more of his poetry after watching added more meaning to it where perhaps none existed before. But there are probably just as many people who hate it, because... well, it's different.

At any rate, though, I think it's at least worth a look. If you find it boring, slow, incomprehensible, whatever... just turn it off. No big deal. But, on the other hand, if you find yourself inexplicably compelled to keep watching, unwilling or unable to tear yourself away for a single frame... well, then, you're welcome.

I enjoyed the film. There were some moments where it missed the mark but overall it is kind of fasinating. I only thought afterwards that there was nothing in it that wasn't okay for for our kids to watch. We have a seven and eight year old. Can't think of another post apocalyptic film that you can watch with young children and they were mesmerised! Word of warning though expect never ending questions most of which you won't be able to answer. I ended up putting the movie on again for them and managed to get an hour and a half of peace and quiet before it all started again. There are a few moments which I would advise parents of very young children to be around for - when the wind attacks the priest was a little scary for them but only the first time. They did get upset as well but only when a certain something happens to a certain someone. But all smiles again at the end. I would expect this kind of film to come from a studio like Disney. For some reason it reminded me of the eighties science fiction film The Black Hole. No idea why. Anyway, they're both watching it again and my wife has been tasked with searching for a rucksack like Lillys for our daughter. I give it an 8.

I have to admit I am not usually a fan of dystopian movies. I don't enjoy their typically bleak and pessimistic undertones and often I find the characters quite unrelatable. That is not the case with 'The Last Boy'. I found it captivating. I found myself caring for the characters and what they were going through and I wanted to understand exactly what it was they were facing. There is an element of mystery here as the movie unravels exactly what is happening. I was on the edge of my seat many times. It doesn't answer all those questions completely, but I think that was intentional. It certainly had me thinking about this movie after it was over. I don't think it will be a long time till I watch it again. How refreshing and welcome to see a movie of this type that doesn't involve hormonally charged twenty-something year olds pretending to be seventeen year olds. Instead this movie is moving and poignant. The acting is great, the soundtrack is beautiful and enhances the story without assaulting your ear drums, and the effects are good but don't dominate the movie. At only 90 minutes in length, this movie never outstays its welcome. In fact, I would have been happy for it to last a bit longer, but that's okay. I find it odd that most reviews of this movie I have read suggest that the star is Luke Goss (who I have never heard of) who plays Jay when, in fact, it is young Flynn Allen as Sira who carries the film. The ending seems to suggest there could be a sequel to this. I don't know if I want that. This movie stands on its own and I would hate to see it be diminished by lesser follow ups. 'The Last Boy' is a great movie and I thoroughly recommend it.

Pretty good post apocalytptic yarn, not sure I saw into it as deeply as some but nice twist on on the genre and nice action as well. 8/10