‘The Last Journey’ Review | A Beautiful Documentary Warms the Soul

by

As someone who has experienced the bittersweet journey of watching a parent age, The Last Journey resonated deeply with me. I found myself reflecting on my own father’s vibrant youth and the stark contrast it had with his current state. Filip Hammar’s quest to help his elderly father find his “spark” again was an emotional rollercoaster that mirrored my own feelings of helplessness, hope, and love.

The film titled “The Last Journey” narrates the touching and inspiring account of Swedish filmmaker Filip Hammar’s quest to reignite the spirit of his cherished elderly father. This critically acclaimed documentary, nominated as Sweden’s entry for Best International Film at the 97th Academy Awards, sheds light on the harsh realities of aging with a tender perspective. It is distressing to see a parent lose zest after a lifetime filled with vitality, especially when they have been a wellspring of inspiration, wisdom, and happiness for others. Although Filip’s plan doesn’t unfold as expected, it succeeds admirably in achieving its main objective with warmth and sincerity.

In this scenario, Filip clutches his father’s hand before they both prepare for an MRI. The elderly Lars Hammar, at 80 years of age, shows signs of frailty. Later, in their home in Köping, Lars can be found looking disheartened in his beloved “Belgian armchair.” Filip and Tiina, Lars’ energetic mother, express concern that for almost a decade, Lars has been mostly confined to the house and hasn’t engaged in any activities. A video flashback from Lars’ 2008 retirement party, following a 40-year career teaching French at the local high school, reveals a drastically different individual. Back then, Lars sang and danced joyfully as he was celebrated by friends, colleagues, and students. This is quite a contrast to the current state of the older man who appears to be merely waiting for his time.

A Road Trip to France

Filip enlists Fredrik Wikingsson, his best friend and production partner, for a crazy idea. He’ll buy an old orange Renault, and they can recreate the road trip his family took to France as a teenager. Fredrik dutifully promises to help, but warns Filip that he may be overburdening his father. Lars can barely walk, has trouble hearing, and hasn’t expressed any interest in such a strenuous endeavor. Filip shows up at home with the car. Lars, hilariously lying down in his bathrobe, is stunned when Tiina starts to pack his bag.

In simpler terms, “The Last Journey” isn’t a storybook adventure where a rejuvenated Lars, eager as ever, miraculously regains his youth. Instead, life’s harshness slams into us from the get-go with an unexpected twist. The journey might already be in jeopardy right from the start. Filip finds that Lars’ energy and physical strength aren’t enough for the challenge ahead. To make matters worse, mental fortitude can also falter. The initial spark of determination dwindles when faced with the first obstacle. Filip tries to persuade his father not to give up, warning him that quitting at the first hurdle will only lead to regret.

In this particular situation, it’s crucial to portray Lars’ character and perspective accurately. He fully understands what Filip, Fredrik, and his wife aim to achieve. Despite their good intentions, overcoming pessimism can be a challenging task. However, Lars needs to share the same enthusiasm for the journey as they do. Filip’s approach to motivate his father is nothing short of brilliant, demonstrating his concern and readiness to go the extra mile. Lars acknowledges Filip’s dedication to his well-being and manages to climb out of his slump. As the story progresses, both characters gain a meaningful insight, with the narrative taking a dynamic turn.

On our second leg of The Last Journey, I found myself behind the wheel of a vibrant orange Renault, cruising at a brisk 40 mph through some of France’s most stunning mountain vistas. As we approached the picturesque Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the glistening Mediterranean coast, my heart skipped a beat. Hammars and Fredrik’s arrival at this idyllic seaside town was like stepping into a postcard for French tourism.

Lars Gets His Groove Back

Filip doesn’t sugarcoat the extraordinary lengths taken to facilitate his father. Lars needs help with pretty much every facet of daily activity. He must be cleaned, dressed, and helped to each before stepping out the door. Even getting into the car is a task. Scenes of Filip and Fredrik discussing their duties are profound and honest. It’s tough to see the person who raised you from birth be so helpless. Time stalks us all and isn’t gentle in the end. Filip gradually mitigates his expectations about what Lars can actually do. He evolves as a son to accept that Lars’ limitations will only get worse until the end. This is why the trip had to be taken now before it became too late.

The movie, titled “The Last Journey“, earns high praise for its imaginative camera work and editing techniques. Swedish celebrities Filip and Fredrik, known for their popular talk shows, TV programs, and podcasts, beautifully incorporate a sense of nostalgia into the storyline. Lars, who is highly respected in Sweden, captures audio diaries, home videos, and numerous family vacation photographs. These personal mementos are strategically included at significant emotional points, adding depth to the narrative and sometimes injecting humor. The film effectively makes viewers feel as though they’re part of the family, sharing in their cherished memories.

If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It

Filip sometimes goes too far by deliberately setting up specific events and encounters to please his father. These moments might charm unsuspecting Lars, but they seem insincere and artificial. One instance, in particular, seemed excessive, even though it was effective. A more organic development of the story would have been equally moving for both the audience and Lars; instead, the manipulation slightly mars the genuine emotional impact. It’s not necessary to recreate past joyous moments to evoke similar feelings now. However, the film’s ending is truly touching; it will leave viewers in tears when the credits roll.

Titled “The Last Journey“, originally known as “Den Sista Resan“, features Swedish dialogue accompanied by English subtitles. This Nexiko production will make its U.S. debut on January 4, 2025, at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, followed by a national distribution.

Read More

2024-12-25 07:02