Sombre, grim and slow The Last Son drags itself to an inevitable ending like a terminal disease. There's never any doubt how this little slice of misery is going to end but despite only running for 92 minutes it seems a lot longer. The cast crawl through every scene as if on the verge of collapse through exhaustion. There is no light and dark here, only inky blackness made even deeper by the constant howling wind and jarring electronic soundtrack. It's all been done before and a lot better too, 2005's "The Proposition" springs to make mind. Track down that movie and give this one a miss.
53 Reviews
Weak film, cinematograpy adds a couple points
info-8080729 March 2022
Terrible script, beautifully filmed. Amazing scenery and lighting. Very weird/cool soundtrack. But, it could have been so much better. The first 30 min is like a 'mumblecore' film, I had to use subtitles. It picks up a bit, but never really gets going. If you're bored, on a cold night, you could do worse than to watch this. But, I wouldn't go out of my way.
Falls short but watchable
louissouthpaw17 January 2022
I was able to enjoy this movie in that the scenery was quite good and Sam Worthington's acting was excellent. However, the plot fails to pass the reality test in several ways - which I won't go into for the sake of avoiding spoilers.
If you like the western genre and are ok with minimalist dialogue, you'll probably find this movie enjoyable.
If you like the western genre and are ok with minimalist dialogue, you'll probably find this movie enjoyable.
I love a good western...unfortunately this wasn't one!
Beanbagels19 December 2021
Even a half-decent cast couldn't save this drearily paced script. (I say half-decent because although Thomas Jane has been in some good movies, neither Sam Worthington nor Heather Graham ever need to get excited around Oscar nomination time).
The story itself seemed a little stupid as well. Worthington is cursed that he will be killed by one of his offspring (should have kept it in his pants) so he kills them off first before they get a chance to do him. It seems like most of them were totally unaware of who he was anyway, so if he had just left well alone, he needn't have worried. By going out of his way to find them, he actually puts himself at risk. The story was so slow and dreary that I ended up fast-forwarding through most of it. Even so, I knew what the ending was going to be. I rated it a generous 3 (and one of those was because of the cameo appearance by Heather Graham's nipples!).
I love Westerns, but there have been some absolutely dire ones released in the past couple of years. I am keeping my fingers crossed that "1883" will live up to expectations.
The story itself seemed a little stupid as well. Worthington is cursed that he will be killed by one of his offspring (should have kept it in his pants) so he kills them off first before they get a chance to do him. It seems like most of them were totally unaware of who he was anyway, so if he had just left well alone, he needn't have worried. By going out of his way to find them, he actually puts himself at risk. The story was so slow and dreary that I ended up fast-forwarding through most of it. Even so, I knew what the ending was going to be. I rated it a generous 3 (and one of those was because of the cameo appearance by Heather Graham's nipples!).
I love Westerns, but there have been some absolutely dire ones released in the past couple of years. I am keeping my fingers crossed that "1883" will live up to expectations.
Could've been much better
choueiri10111 December 2021
Acting was good however, the script and the horrible editing gave this movie it's fatal blows.
What on earth was with the pointless and constant landscape views and mindless walking with no meaning.
Disappointed because the cast was a recipe for success.
What on earth was with the pointless and constant landscape views and mindless walking with no meaning.
Disappointed because the cast was a recipe for success.
what did I just watch
troofer11 December 2021
Good film. Don't believe the haters
jacksonmaze28 January 2022
My god, reading some of these reviews for this movie makes me so sad.
I've seen bad films and I can say this western does not deserve anything under a 5.
It's an engaging film and as for a western it's dark and thrilling. Reminiscent of Never Grow Old, which was an under-appreciated film for sure.
Good acting and directing.
THE GOOD - Acting and directing and great addition to the western genre THE BAD - A bit slow and yes, redundant in some aspects.
7 out of 10 .
People that give this films such low reviews and write like immature 4th graders need to try to construct a real opinion and leave it for people who want to know more about a film before renting.
No need for these cruel remarks. Geez.
I've seen bad films and I can say this western does not deserve anything under a 5.
It's an engaging film and as for a western it's dark and thrilling. Reminiscent of Never Grow Old, which was an under-appreciated film for sure.
Good acting and directing.
THE GOOD - Acting and directing and great addition to the western genre THE BAD - A bit slow and yes, redundant in some aspects.
7 out of 10 .
People that give this films such low reviews and write like immature 4th graders need to try to construct a real opinion and leave it for people who want to know more about a film before renting.
No need for these cruel remarks. Geez.
No Good
Tweetienator3 January 2022
Greek mythology mixed up with the Wild West. What may sound good with the potential of some pulp fiction quality, the movie does not deliver - bad and cheap cinematography/production, story just drags on and on. Anyway, sometimes an experiment works well, sometimes not - this time it did not work, at least for me.
Bloody good modern western
coreytegley18 December 2021
Good movie slow at times but the story makes up for it. Lots of blood shoot outs killing. I thought a great old western movie for the new age. Sam Worthington is unrecognizable and amazing actor. Had some good WTF moments that I didn't see coming. Ending could have been 20 minutes longer to explain some things but still worth a watch.
Very little development
signlady2 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is another 'minimalist' genre, in this case, a sort of western.
The story idea is an excellent one; there had to be a lot of guys fathering kids across the territories in this era. This film doesn't flash back to those exploits,, nor does it make clear how in the world any man would know about, much less be able to track-down every kid he sired, much less recall every gal he'd been with in the first place, and presumably didnt hang around long enough to ever know they got pregnant. Nor does this movie present the reality that most prostitutes did dyi abortions so as not to deter their career goals.
Minimal in story, character development, and dialogue, we simply watch the random elements occur as if we are passing by on the street. I can only assume that is exactly what the director intended.
Aside from the minimal narration we have no other clue what these characters are thinking, and never really totally clear why they do certain things they do.
Several minutes of scenes cover random things that do very little, or completely nothing to move the story forward or inform the viewer . . .
For example - the wife at her husbands grave repeating gradually louder 'the devil-the devil-the devil', the daughter finding a locket, & then the store clerk mentioning the locket - the focus on the purchase of & eating lemon drops, and it was never clear if the daughter was the twin . . .?
The over exaggerated scenes of characters walking, or the father acting confused? For example, one particular scene (after the father pokes out the Indians eyes and smothers him) we see the father in silhouette walking out thru golden grass grunting and groaning seeming confused. The viewer has no clue what's happening here. Is he remorseful? Giddy? Sickly?
Are we to assume that bc the father-character mostly grunts, and his voice is extremely stifled & muffled, along with often being called the devil, including the preachers judgements, maybe the father is demon possessed?
If you like minimal dialogue, (which btw, is often dialogue which is not what real people would say in any situation) and if you can decipher the minimalist cryptic messages in the minimalist dialogue , and if bland facial expressions & random behaviours give you all the info you need in a movie, then by all means, you'll enjoy this one.
I 'get' the idea of the minimalist film and the 'artistic-ness' of it, but it's just rarely ever interesting or entertaining. I like a little more background and a little more info with my beautiful vistas and compositions, and a little more reality.
The story idea is an excellent one; there had to be a lot of guys fathering kids across the territories in this era. This film doesn't flash back to those exploits,, nor does it make clear how in the world any man would know about, much less be able to track-down every kid he sired, much less recall every gal he'd been with in the first place, and presumably didnt hang around long enough to ever know they got pregnant. Nor does this movie present the reality that most prostitutes did dyi abortions so as not to deter their career goals.
Minimal in story, character development, and dialogue, we simply watch the random elements occur as if we are passing by on the street. I can only assume that is exactly what the director intended.
Aside from the minimal narration we have no other clue what these characters are thinking, and never really totally clear why they do certain things they do.
Several minutes of scenes cover random things that do very little, or completely nothing to move the story forward or inform the viewer . . .
For example - the wife at her husbands grave repeating gradually louder 'the devil-the devil-the devil', the daughter finding a locket, & then the store clerk mentioning the locket - the focus on the purchase of & eating lemon drops, and it was never clear if the daughter was the twin . . .?
The over exaggerated scenes of characters walking, or the father acting confused? For example, one particular scene (after the father pokes out the Indians eyes and smothers him) we see the father in silhouette walking out thru golden grass grunting and groaning seeming confused. The viewer has no clue what's happening here. Is he remorseful? Giddy? Sickly?
Are we to assume that bc the father-character mostly grunts, and his voice is extremely stifled & muffled, along with often being called the devil, including the preachers judgements, maybe the father is demon possessed?
If you like minimal dialogue, (which btw, is often dialogue which is not what real people would say in any situation) and if you can decipher the minimalist cryptic messages in the minimalist dialogue , and if bland facial expressions & random behaviours give you all the info you need in a movie, then by all means, you'll enjoy this one.
I 'get' the idea of the minimalist film and the 'artistic-ness' of it, but it's just rarely ever interesting or entertaining. I like a little more background and a little more info with my beautiful vistas and compositions, and a little more reality.
A very true western
sydmwswy7 July 2022
'The Last Son' (2021)
mfnmbvp13 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A worthy addition to the genre, especially in 2021, and it was nice to see Sam Worthington in a lead role again, however, I'll agree with other users that this film could have been a lot better. There was a ton of unrealized potential with the excellent cast, as well as within the script itself - the film could have easily been 30 to 45 minutes longer than it was, and could have given some more character development to minor players, and especially to Thomas Jane, who's character is very negligently managed. Sam Worthington's character feels like an ultimate badass when on screen, but again, is underplayed. Instead, the film feels more like a showcase for us to see how much of a badass Machine Gun Kelly is. I'm sorry, I meant Colson Baker. Are we taking him more seriously as an actor now? I didn't think so. All of his scenes are overdone and repetitive; he was definitely on way too much of the film's screen time. I would rather look at more pictures of landscapes. How many times do we need to see him effortlessly shoot someone in the head? MGK's scenes were predictable and boring. The rest of the film is gritty, dirty, and violent. The cinematography is wonderful, the scenery is beautiful, the soundtrack by Phil Mossman is moody & edgy, and is an excellent addition to the film. Would recommend and would watch again.
THE LAST SON -----6/10.
THE LAST SON -----6/10.
Cartoon Strip Cowboy
taylorphilip4 January 2022
Another in the long line of waste of time westerns, attempting to emulate real classic well made westerns. It even had an attempt at gravitas at the end, with a dramatic..Ha! Voiceover. But by then i had given up caring?
I am looking for a gatling gun that when fired kills all humans in it's wake, but avoids horse's , wagons, tents and any other extraneous objects? It even managed to kill 3 men on the other side of a wagon and horses, without any damage to the foreground? C'mon if your going to create a shoot out....at least try to make it realistic? Cartoon dialogue and ridiculous premise.............who the hell green lights this trash?
I am looking for a gatling gun that when fired kills all humans in it's wake, but avoids horse's , wagons, tents and any other extraneous objects? It even managed to kill 3 men on the other side of a wagon and horses, without any damage to the foreground? C'mon if your going to create a shoot out....at least try to make it realistic? Cartoon dialogue and ridiculous premise.............who the hell green lights this trash?
Mary Sue ending
bdemarce12 December 2021
A 10 year old could predict the ending to this movie. Acting was really good, script was really bad. Machine Gun Kelly surprisingly does a pretty decent job as his role but even that couldn't make up for the lack luster story. Very disappointing film.
Hollywood forgot how to make movies
anilbudha-650687 January 2022
What a stupid script. Nothing t root for at all
nicofrench-564-41341216 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Everyone wants to kill without motivation except the crazy man that wants to kill his children whom he finds like a gps targeted rcked over the wast American plains.
No hero. No real villain. No nothing.
Wow what a waste of my life.
No hero. No real villain. No nothing.
Wow what a waste of my life.
Not bad for a dark Western - but not the best for sure
danieljfarthing3 February 2022
In dark western "The Last Son" hoarse bearded professional killer Sam Worthington is cursed by the Cheyenne to die by his own child - so resolves to slay them all, most notably equally psychotic outlaw Machine Gun Kelly (son of prostitute Heather Graham) and his quiet half-sister Emily Marie Palmer: who both independently aim to kill the old man first. Meanwhile, over the same harsh cold landscapes that they track each other, lawman Thomas Jane hunts Kelly. Paths cross & bodies pile as it winds (a bit slowly) to showdown. There've been better recent westerns, but director Tim Sutton, writer Greg Johnson & the notable cast do a decent job. Not so bad.
Expected more
kellyterese12 January 2022
The movie wasn't the worst I've seen but far from the best. The scenery was beautiful. I think the cast did the best they could with a lackluster script. Sam Worthington was excellent and I found Colson Baker to be excellent as well. Heather Graham fell short for me but it could be the role. I would have enjoyed a bit more character development and background about the prophecy. It is best described as a Greek tragedy set in the western genre. Too bad the full potential of the story and cast wasn't utilized. I still recommend watching it. It is only around 95 minutes.
Great premise, good acting, eh on direction and plot
vagsdman-0561513 December 2021
Save your money
prodigirlives3 January 2022
The movie was found lacking in many different ways; one would be the acting was sub-par, the dialog was unrealistic for the time period and pointless. There were scenes that never move the movie forward as they too were pointless and confusing leaving you wonder why they were included. There was no character development and no reason to cheer anybody on. Not one single character in this movie went through any sort of a character arc or transformation.
It appeared like the movie was a conglomeration of all the cutting floor scenes slapped together.
They were trying to move the story along through scenes without dialogue. But those very scenes were pointless in themselves and adding nothing to the story.
This is an instance of where the trailer was better than the movie.
It appeared like the movie was a conglomeration of all the cutting floor scenes slapped together.
They were trying to move the story along through scenes without dialogue. But those very scenes were pointless in themselves and adding nothing to the story.
This is an instance of where the trailer was better than the movie.
You need to be patient to watch it.
dudaschaurich11 December 2021
The movie is a bitter and raw western. The story develops slowly, but it grows more and more and holds you back, so when you reach the final 20 minutes you really see the thing happening and be surprised by the plot. I really liked it, but you need to be patient and like the genre.
Western as a medium for something else
kindredparadox14 December 2021
Cursed that he will be killed by one of his son. Which causes him to search for them, to kill them
And that is why the story is ridiculous for one. Who are the parents who will kill their own kids. Start a film like this, is just the thing that prepare you to feel something is off. Nevertheless, it's not the point I would like to make.
You can't look at this movie normally. Not a story, but more of a tale, if you can spot the difference. Because the story can't be enjoyed normally the way we usually immersed inside a world of fiction.
It's an arthouse film. Ironically a retro, and if you think western film is a time before the retro time, you're right. I don't know why they chose western to present this tale, because the style is modern all over. An eerie retro arthouse style, to sum up. It's okay to watch this in home when you're bored and just want something for a change of scene.
And that is why the story is ridiculous for one. Who are the parents who will kill their own kids. Start a film like this, is just the thing that prepare you to feel something is off. Nevertheless, it's not the point I would like to make.
You can't look at this movie normally. Not a story, but more of a tale, if you can spot the difference. Because the story can't be enjoyed normally the way we usually immersed inside a world of fiction.
It's an arthouse film. Ironically a retro, and if you think western film is a time before the retro time, you're right. I don't know why they chose western to present this tale, because the style is modern all over. An eerie retro arthouse style, to sum up. It's okay to watch this in home when you're bored and just want something for a change of scene.
Not a good thing to say
danand-3972828 January 2022
There was nothing good about this movie - the dialog was pitiful which didn't matter because the sound quality was terrible - the acting was very poor and the only reason I gave it 1 instead of 0 was it was in english.
Couldn't get past the first hour
rotini-525862 January 2022
He's just a man
nogodnomasters26 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Isaac LeMay (Sam Worthington) is told he is cursed by an Indian and he believes that one of his seed will kill him. So he tracks down and kills six of his sons. The bulk of the story is his last son Cal (Machine Gun Kelly) who is an outlaw and his daughter (Emily Marie Palmer) who he instructs to kill him when the time comes.
I guess moving away from them wasn't an option. Heather Graham places a prostitute, a little high class for the old west. The plot was bad, but the acting was decent.
Guide: F-word. Brief sex brief nudity.
I guess moving away from them wasn't an option. Heather Graham places a prostitute, a little high class for the old west. The plot was bad, but the acting was decent.
Guide: F-word. Brief sex brief nudity.
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