A rendezvous with the past: A heartfelt journey through “The Last Journey”
Unfolding as a humorous and heartbreaking road movie, the deeply relatable “The Last Journey” paints a tender portrait of filmmaker Filip Hammar’s enduring love for his ailing 80-year-old father, Lars. This life-affirming documentary invites the viewer on a voyage where humor and sentiment coexist in perfect harmony.
rekindling an old flame
Determined to rekindle his father’s zest for life, Filip—along with his best friend and co-director Fredrik Wikingsson—embarks on an emotional journey, driving Lars to the French coastal town where they once spent many joyous holidays. Along this nostalgic route, Filip is forced to confront the heart-wrenching realities of aging, grappling with the inevitable passage of time. “The Last Journey” transcends its narrative to become a tribute to teachers and an ode to their inspirational impact.
smashing records, touching hearts
With over 400,000 admissions in Sweden, this documentary has broken box office records and remains a crowd favorite, even after 32 weeks in theaters. As Sweden’s official submission for the international feature category, “The Last Journey” stands a strong chance of emerging as a dark horse candidate.
from journalists to storytellers
This film marks the debut feature for both Hammar and Wikingsson, who transitioned from journalism to become household names in Sweden. Their careers as unconventional television personalities, podcast hosts, and authors span decades, and they bring their signature spontaneity and chaotic charm to this project. The film is a blend of home movies and Hammar family tape recordings, adding a layer of authenticity and intimacy.
battling the winds of change
In 2008, Lars, then a vital man, retired from teaching high school French in his hometown. Anticipating a fulfilling troisième âge, he was eager to dive into his golden years. However, by 2022, mysterious pains and a dwindling spark reduced Lars to a shadow of his former self. His wife Tiina shares her anxieties with Filip, igniting his hope to restore Lars’ former vibrance.
embarking on a nostalgic journey
Driven by a delusion and armed with an orange Renault 4—a relic of family trips gone by—Filip and reluctant Lars, with Wikingsson in tow, set out for Beaulieu-sur-Mer. The journey brings unexpected hurdles, with the Renault, one of the slowest cars in Europe, consistently being overtaken. Despite these challenges, the cinematography captures breathtaking autumnal landscapes, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the trip.
Meanwhile, Filip and Fredrik leverage their experience from hosting unique travel shows, maintaining a relaxed and adaptable demeanor despite the uncertainty.
reclaiming memories and learning lessons
One of the film’s most touching aspects is Filip’s vivid recollection of family vacation traditions, often more precise than Lars’. While Filip occasionally overshoots in his efforts to recreate the past, such as interrupting an intimate conversation to coax a story out of his father, Lars’s demeanor remains wise and pragmatic. His enduring love for France and its quirks shines through.
finding humor in nostalgia
Amid the poignant moments, humor finds its place. Filip and Fredrik’s attempts to recreate situations Lars once enjoyed—like French traffic scenes—add a delightful dimension. Their antics, designed to jog Lars’ memory and lift his spirits, reflect a deep bond and a shared appreciation for the whimsical.
a poignant climax
The film builds to a touching climax with a surprise that Filip and Fredrik orchestrate on the very beach where Lars wishes his ashes to be scattered. This moving scene, bound to bring tears, underscores the inevitable passage of time and the beauty of cherished memories. The score by Christian Olsson and the inclusion of French songs by beloved artists like Jacques Brel and Georges Brassens enhance the emotional resonance.
“The Last Journey” is more than a film; it’s a heartfelt exploration of family, memory, and the unbreakable bonds between loved ones. The production brilliantly intertwines melancholic reality with heartwarming nostalgia.
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