One Last Thing

One Last Thing is a 2018 American drama film directed by Tim Rouhana and stars well-established actors Wendell Pierce, Jurnee Smollett, and Joanne Froggatt. The movie, which was initially revealed at the Florida Film Festival, masterfully tells a story of undying hope and resilience in the face of adversity and seemingly inescapable predicaments.

Wendell Pierce, famously known for his role in The Wire and Suits, takes the lead role in this feature as Dylan Derringer, a lonely dentist in Florida whose days are filled with an overwhelming solitude that's broken periodically by his pursuit to maintain a routine and ordinary life. Dylan is caught in his own mundanity, seemingly content yet silently yearning for something more than his current life offers.

The plot takes a dramatic twist when Lucy, a character played by Joanne Froggatt of Downton Abbey fame, comes into the picture as a detour from Dylan's routine. She is a frenzied and energetic sales representative who has an uncanny knack for pulling Dylan out of his comfort zone. Joanne flawlessly develops Lucy from a seemingly secondary side character into an indispensable roller-coaster of emotions that inevitably cross paths with Dylan's life.

Jurnee Smollett from Friday Night Lights and Birds of Prey beautifully portrays the role of Dylan's long-lost daughter, Jaime. Full of life and a fervent zeal to live life to the fullest, despite facing significant challenges of her own, Jaime unknowingly completes the missing piece to Dylan's monotone life. The relationship that blooms between Dylan and Jaime, two halves of the same coin separated by years and miles, forms the crux of the storyline.

Yet, One Last Thing isn't a straightforward drama revolving around a father-daughter relationship. It manages to embed a distinct blend of comedy that illuminates the screen, where the personas of Dylan and Lucy create humorous, everyday scenarios, reflecting the very reality and unpredictability of life.

Aside from the trio's captivating performances and effectively portraying the struggles and joys in their characters' lives, the movie also boasts stunning visuals. The beautiful landscape of Florida is captured in a way that sets the mood of the movie and complements the unfolding narrative. It melds with the storyline to a point where Florida’s beaches, towns, and suburban locations become more than just a backdrop; they become an integral part of the story itself, resonating with the lives of the characters and reflecting their emotions.

Moreover, the film's production design and cinematography contribute to the depth of the story. The positioning of characters, the illumination of scenes, and the attention to costume detail, all work in tandem to emphasize the characters' emotions and magnificently drive the narrative forward.

One Last Thing also mines the depth of its character-driven storytelling for humanizing, relatable moments. It wraps pain with humor, ennui with desire, and presents a cinematic journey through Dylan's life that marks his transformation from a low-spirited dentist to a father rediscovering his purpose in life. Through his journey, we as an audience witness the true meaning of resilience, hope, and love.

While the movie prominently addresses themes like reconciliation, the film’s screenplay splendidly weaves in comic relief without undermining its more serious undertones. This delicate balance enhances the viewer's emotional investment, making it not just a movie-watching experience, but a journey through the lives of the characters.

Ultimately, One Last Thing stands out as a triumph for director Tim Rouhana in his narrative debut, magnificently crafting a multifaceted father-daughter story. Its powerful performances and a well-written script make for an engaging and heartfelt drama, further elevated by a stirring score and stunning visuals.

One Last Thing is a must-watch for anyone seeking an emotionally stirring tale encompassing elements of heartbreak, humor, and love. With a stellar cast and a thought-provoking narrative, the movie gives the audience a glimpse into the depths of familial bonds, the torture and beauty of solitude, and the ache and solace of reconciliation.