Whether the feeling stems from the existentialism about what happens when we die, or the regretful retrospection of not living a life to its fullest potential: the idea that all living creatures have a ‘spark’ inside of them that is central to the purpose of our existence is something that is often discussed in our most emotionally vulnerable moments.
For Lars Hammar, his spark ignited and held strong during his four-decade tenure as a beloved French teacher in the Swedish schooling system. However, once Lars retired, his family noticed a passive apathy towards life which became depression as he aged. Filip Hammar, his son, watches as the man who inspires him immensely becomes unwilling to leave the house, let alone his armchair. It breaks his heart.
Recounting wonderful childhood memories about travelling to France in the summertime with his family, Filip, along with his comedic-duo partner and fellow television presenter Fredrik Wikingsson, decide to embark on a road trip with Lars, recreating standout moments from their holidays hoping to reinvigorate Lars’ zest for life.
Utilising their beloved comedic stylings and eccentric energy, Filip and Fredrik have created a wonderful, heartfelt, and truly hilarious documentary in The Last Journey. The hijinks and banter between the three stars of the story lead to gut-busting laugh-out-loud moments.
Lars’ stubborn apathy to the whole idea of the trip collides with the of Filip’s stubborn desire to see his father happy again. The push and pull creates an interesting and authentic dynamic on screen between father and son and is as funny as it is touching. The addition of Fredrik into the scenario, not just as another comedic layer with his witty observations, but as a voice of reason to his friend when it can feel like things are going too far, creates a beautiful examination of the importance of emotional vulnerability between male friends.
Throughout their trip, Filip and Fredrik attempt to recreate key moments from previous French Riviera holidays. Telling stories about celebrities as a loud train goes by, simulating a fender-bender outside of a café, or pushing their bright orange mini over the French border simply because Lars can’t drive anymore are just a handful of the elaborate set-pieces created to remind Lars of his love of France. They often lead to hilarious results.
The Last Journey is also an intoxicating cinematic documentary. The vivid colours of the French countryside and coast are captured wonderfully and mix with a moving soundtrack of songs that played such an important role in Lars’ life. The crispness of the landscape is shot gloriously inviting the audience into the travelogue. The images are juxtaposed with intimate close ups of Lars and Filip that almost allow the audience to experience seeing France from the same awe-inducing perspective in which they did many decades before.
Without spoiling anything, the climax of The Last Journey, involving an interaction and surprise for Lars on a French beach, may be one of the most moving moments in any film that released in 2024. After 80 or so minutes of heartfelt laughter, this scene will make even the most hardened of cinemagoers at least shed a single tear, if they’re not bawling already.
The Last Journey is a story about the importance of keeping your spark, your purpose, your reason for existing, alive. The relationship between a father, who lost his spark, and a son, who will do whatever it takes to reinvigorate that it, make for one of the most heartfelt cinema experiences of the year.
The Last Journey is in Australian cinemas from February 27, courtesy of Universal Pictures.
