‘Last Days’ Review: Justin Lin Returns to Indies With a Solid Drama About a Misguided Missionary

by

It seems that clashing creatively with a significant Hollywood studio and Vin Diesel can be incredibly beneficial for one’s artistic spirit.

Filmmaker Justin Lin quickly climbed to prominence following the acclaim received by his low-cost independent film “Better Luck Tomorrow” during its 2002 debut at the Sundance Film Festival. This success catapulted him into directing a string of high-grossing Hollywood productions, such as multiple installments of the Fast & Furious series and the final theatrical release of Star Trek, before parting ways with the upcoming film “Fast X” during its pre-production phase in 2023.

After completing a full loop, his latest low-budget indie drama is gaining attention at the festival with similar premieres. This film, in search of distribution, represents a notable creative comeback for Lin; let’s hope he maintains his resistance against the temptation to escalate things explosively for some time.

The movie narrates the heartbreaking tale of John Chau, portrayed by Sky Yang, who is a 26-year-old missionary from America with an evangelical Christian background. In pursuit of sharing his beliefs with a secluded tribe living on North Sentinel Island, a restricted area of India, he embarked on a perilous journey. Unfortunately, his endeavor did not result in success, as the story unfortunately did not have a happy ending for him. The story may seem familiar to you because it was also presented in the acclaimed 2023 documentary “The Mission,” now streaming on Disney+.

In the chilling opening sequence of the movie, set in 2018, the challenges he would face are vividly shown. Here, he paddles to an island and tries to talk to the natives from afar, but instead, receives a volley of precisely targeted arrows.

Transition to a scene set in the past, during a family birthday celebration, where we witness John’s complex family dynamics unfold. His father, Patrick (Ken Leung), expresses a strong wish for John to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career as a doctor, much like he did. However, John feels drawn towards a different path aligned with his deep religious beliefs. He enrolls at Oral Roberts University, preparing himself to be a missionary, undergoing rigorous survival training at a boot camp before embarking on his journey abroad. There, he forms friendships with other young missionaries, such as the cheerful and carefree Chandler (Toby Wallace).

Ben Ripley’s screenplay, known for works like “Source Code” and the remake of “Flatliners,” sometimes struggles with narrative coherence due to its frequent flashbacks and complex timeline shifts. Additionally, a subplot focusing on an Indian police inspector, powerfully portrayed by Radkhia Apte, takes center stage. This character, against her superiors’ orders, embarks on a desperate mission to find John before he can return to the island, potentially endangering the locals with foreign diseases or risking self-harm. The film appears somewhat overloaded with events, from the father being apprehended by federal agents for illegally dispensing painkillers to an awkward romantic encounter between John and a young backpacker that leads to his reporting to the authorities.

Although the plot may appear complex, it’s understandable given its role in revealing the intricate depths of the main character’s mind. John’s relentless desire to spread his beliefs is portrayed without criticism, which is commendable. At first, viewers might find themselves criticizing John for his risky actions, but as the film delves into his inner turmoil, a sense of empathy develops, leaving the audience feeling only sorrow for a life cut short tragically by its end.

Lin’s filmmaking abilities are clearly on display throughout, from the gripping opening scene that might make viewers lean back in their chairs (thankfully it’s not in 3D), to the chilling montage at the end – where John’s last encounter with the natives is artfully presented symbolically, seamlessly blending scenes of him getting lost as a child at a fairground and being found by his relieved father.

As a gamer, I found myself deeply immersed in the world of “Rebel Moon” films on Netflix, where I had the privilege to portray a character under the guidance of Zack Snyder. The role required an intense emotional and physical investment – I even shed 30 pounds during the filming process! My character’s devotion was palpable, but what truly stood out was his playful spirit and infectious humor. It was a transformative experience that feels like a breakout role. Here’s hoping my performance grabs the attention it deserves.

Read More

2025-01-29 03:55