Watch Last Night
- R
- 1998
- 1 hr 35 min
-
7.1 (10,221)
Last Night from 1998 is a Canadian apocalyptic drama film, directed by and starring Don McKellar. The movie is set in Toronto and revolves around the impending doom of the world, with only a few hours left before the end of the world. The film was first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and later went on to win the award for best Canadian film at the festival.
The movie follows the story of a group of people who are going through their last night on Earth as the world is about to end. The characters in the film are all very different from one another, yet share the same fate of impending doom. There is Patrick Wheeler, played by the director Don McKellar himself, a recently laid-off misanthropic man who is probably the most relatable character in the film. Next, we have Sandra Oh's character, who plays the role of a married woman who has a one night stand with Wheeler. There is also Roberta Maxwell's character, who is an elderly disabled woman in need of help to end her life before the world ends.
Throughout the movie, the characters gradually come to terms with the fact that this is the last night of their lives, and each character has a unique and touching storyline. For example, Patrick Wheeler spends his last few hours searching for a bottle of scotch he always dreamed of drinking, while Alexandra, played by Sandra Oh, spends her last moments with a stranger she met earlier in the evening. Meanwhile, emotional moments are shared between Roberta Maxwell's character and her son, played by Robin Gammell.
The film doesn't hold back in its exploration of human psyche and the different reactions individuals have when faced with impending doom. It shows a wide range of emotions, from disbelief to acceptance, and from sadness to euphoria. Each character has their unique way of experiencing the final moments of their lives. The movie also explores the intricacies of human relationships, as people go about trying to say their final goodbyes to loved ones in whatever way they can.
The film is not just about the characters but the city of Toronto itself, and how it is preparing for the end of the world. As people go about their business of saying their last goodbyes, the city keeps running, ironically almost preparing for the big end-of-the-year party that they have planned. There are moments where the film is harshly realistic, showing us the gamut of emotions that individuals go through, juxtaposed with moments that are darkly humorous and surreal.
Last Night from 1998 gives a lot of attention to details, with each character, has their profound moments, and with the right amount of ambiguity, the film invites us to read deeper meaning into the actions and the relationships of the characters. The film has a lot of symbolism, such as a number of individuals trying to call their loved ones, which highlights the culture of disconnection in our modern world. The movie also shows us intimacies that arise in situations of crisis, a sign of how tragedy and disaster bring people together.
The soundtrack of the film is also deeply moving, with Clint Mansell's haunting music that stays with you long after the movie ends. The cinematography is fantastic, and the shots of the empty streets and the buildings are beautifully crafted, making us feel as if we were there on that last night.
In conclusion, Last Night from 1998 is a thought-provoking movie that offers a glimpse into how various people might react if they were faced by the end of the world. It's a film that has a lot of symbolism, and the movie engrosses you into the world created here. Even though it might not be for everyone, those who like end-of-the-world scenarios will find it an enthralling and disturbing movie. With don McKellar's directing and screenplay, paired with some incredible imagery and sound, this film is an unforgettable experience.
Last Night is a 1998 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 65.