Last Night

Last Night is a dramatic and engaging independent film released in 1998, written and directed by Don McKellar, who also takes center stage as the main protagonist. Co-starring Sandra Oh and Roberta Maxwell, Last Night delves into an end-of-the-world scenario brimming with poignant human experiences, elements of black comedy and surreal realism.

Set against the backdrop of Toronto, Canada, Last Night places us in a world where the impending apocalypse is common knowledge. There is no escape, no real hope for survival, and as such, the movie focuses on the individual responses to an imminent demise, and how they spend their remaining hours. Noticeably absent are the grand, cataclysmic special effects that typically populate this genre. Instead, McKellar's directorial debut finds its niche in the exploration of human nature, interpersonal relationships, and personal responses to the existential threat.

Don McKellar leads the cast with his impressive portrayal of Patrick Wheeler, a man intent on spending the end of the world alone, wallowing in solitude, and reminiscing about his past. Then there’s Sandra Oh as Sandra, an emotionally distraught woman pursuing her own perfect ending which seems to be slipping further away from her grasp. Roberta Maxwell plays Mrs. Wheeler, Patrick's mother, who brings a touch of tenderness and a strikingly intriguing approach to the doomsday scenario. The interactions between the characters introduce us to varied human responses to fear, regret, joy, desire, sadness, and acceptance uniquely intertwined with their circumstances.

Last Night is not the average end-of-the-world film filled with heroic efforts to avert disaster. Instead, it grapples with ultimate questions of what it means to be human and what our actions and relationships reflect when confronted with our own transience. It manages to invoke a subconscious inquiry of the viewer - "What if I knew the world was ending, what would I do?" The existential representation of melancholy, dread, fearlessness, and acceptance is so vivid that viewers will likely find themselves reflecting on these very emotions.

The cinematic beauty of Last Night is subtly weaved into the mundane urban setting of Toronto. It furthers the unsettling atmosphere and the haunting reality of a world about to end. While the storyline revolves around the countdown to extinction, it does not let the overbearing tragedy define the entire narrative. The filmmaker's ability to oscillically swing between desolation and dark humor, while retaining a quiet tension, is commendable.

McKellar's creative exploration of the theme is evident in the surprising juxtaposition of an apocalypse drama stripped, refreshingly, of any grandeur, choosing instead to embrace the ordinary human experience in all its forms. Additionally, the performances deliver a spectrum of characters, each with their unique responses to the dire situation. This psychological exploration of characters facing inevitable oblivion lends the film its genuine depth and unexpected warmth.

Sandra Oh's Sandra, distressed and frantic, yet undeniably resilient, battles life and time to wrap up her existence in a planned manner. She anchors the plot with an urgency that is both heartbreaking and heroic. Meanwhile, McKellar's Patrick provides a contrasting perspective, solemnly resigned to his fate, yet his path intersects with Sandra's in a way that proves to be an enlightening journey for both.

The movie, amidst its somber premise, teems with provocative moments, punctuating the gripping narrative with sporadic humor and heartfelt sentimentality. Characters choose to respond to the end in their own way: throwing a party, fulfilling a sexual fantasy, spending time with family, or simply aimlessly walking the streets. The choice shows humanity at the brink of extinction - still capable of love, kindness, selfishness, and humor - encapsulating the complexity of human life in its final moments.

With a quirky yet thought-provoking premise and stellar performances by its cast, Last Night is a masterpiece that blends original storytelling with profound existential questions. It explores humanity's search for meaning, connection, and closure with moments of raw emotion, humor, and despair that leave lasting impressions. This film is a must-watch for those interested in thought-provoking cinema, inviting audiences to ponder about life, mortality, and ultimately, the impermanence of existence.