THE LAST JOURNEY (2024)

 original title: Den sista resan

The joy of life never gets old

Films hold incredible power – they can make us smile, laugh, cry, and sometimes, if we're lucky, make us do all three, like The Last Journey, Sweden’s official entry for ‘Best International Feature Film’ at the 97th Academy Awards.

Renowned Swedish TV personality Filip Hammar watches his father, Lars, spiral into depression after retiring as a French teacher. Once a man that could light up any room, Lars now wallows in darkness, struggling to leave his favourite Belgian chair. Lars and his wife, Tiina, had big plans for their later years, but Lars’s inability to engage with life has left them both heartbroken. Determined to revive his father’s spirit, Filip plans a road trip to France, where they once shared family holidays, hoping to spark old memories and joy. Joining them is Filip’s longtime friend and TV partner, Fredrik Wikingsson.

The trip gets off to a shaky start when Lars falls in his hotel room, on their first night, fracturing his leg and landing him in hospital. The documentary nearly unravels as Lars loses hope, lying in his hospital bed. Tiina comes to be by his side, while Filip and Fredrik continue to the French border, hoping Lars will join them once he recovers. But as days pass, it seems more likely Lars will abandon the trip and return to his beloved Belgian chair. Everything changes when Filip arranges a private performance at the hospital with a classical singer, performing Lars’s favourite Harry Belafonte songs. It’s a sweet and touching moment, and the first time we see real emotion from Lars. From then on, he focuses on his rehabilitation and eventually boards a plane to meet Filip and Fredrik at the French border. This is where the real journey begins, it’s also one of the sweetest moments of the film, as Filip and Fredrik welcome Lars back and even let him ‘drive’ over the French border, a gesture that will have you reaching for the tissues (keep them close by because there’s plenty more where that came from). 

Once in France, we witness a series of unforgettable moments - some spontaneous, others staged - but all overflowing with genuine emotion. A ‘road rage incident’ is particularly brilliant, while a cooking scene is truly heartbreaking (a moment that is certainly of poor judgement from Filip). The film concludes with a beautiful father and son moment that will empty your tissue box, if you haven’t run out already. 

The Last Journey is a heartwarming and wonderfully funny docudrama that will tug at your heartstrings and hit you in all the right emotional spots. With its perfect blend of sweetness, humour, and depth, it conjures up feelings of nostalgia, sentimentality, and pure joy. From start to finish, the film is a delightful rollercoaster of emotions, leaving you smiling, laughing, and yes, even ugly crying. While at times it can feel a little manufactured or emotionally manipulative, it’s done with such genuine sincerity that you can’t help but be swept away by its charm.

The filmmaking is equally impressive. The seamless blending of past and present is nothing short of magical, with moments of pure cinematic beauty that are both nostalgic and timeless. The way the film mixes reality with staged setpieces feels fresh and engaging, making every scene a delightful exploration of memory and connection. And then there’s the French countryside, which serves as the perfect backdrop. The breathtaking landscapes almost feel too beautiful to be real, with some footage so striking you’ll be tempted to immediately start planning your own trip to France. It’s as though the film itself is a love letter to the country’s scenic charm.

At its core, The Last Journey is a road movie for the ages. It’s an unforgettable cinematic experience that captivates the heart and leaves a lasting impression. For anyone who loves a compelling, emotionally charged film, this is a must-watch that will stay with you long after the credits roll. A touching little film about trying to rekindle one’s youthful spark because joy doesn’t retire, it just finds new ways to shine. 

★★★★★