The Last Right

"The Last Right" is an engaging, emotive, and humor-filled Irish comedy-drama that premiered in 2019. Directed by Aoife Crehan in her feature debut, the film boasts an ensemble cast made up of renowned actors from both Ireland and beyond, including Michiel Huisman, Niamh Algar, and Samuel Bottomley.

The film's narrative spins around Daniel Murphy, an imperfection-filled yet charming character played by Michiel Huisman, famous for his roles in "The Haunting of Hill House" and the "Games of Thrones" series. Daniel is an expatriate flying home to Ireland from the US, persistently tussling with the whirlwind of emotion that accompanies the approaching demise of his mother. Enroute, he unknowingly gets entangled in an unusual predicament - a stranger dies in the seat next to him on the plane.

In a twist of fate and a touch of confused identity, Daniel is mistakenly assumed to be the dead man's next of kin. Consequently, he finds himself entrusted with the stranger’s final wish - to be buried in the remote Irish village of Rathlin Island, which is completely at odds with the fact that Daniel doesn’t know him at all. On the side, Daniel must also navigate through his strained relationship with his autistic brother Louis played by Samuel Bottomley, evoking sentiments of both laughter and sympathy.

Niamh Algar, known for her award-winning role in "The Virtues," brilliantly plays the character of Mary. She is Louis' determined carer who becomes an unexpected yet compelling ally in the boys' road-trip-turned-pilgrimage to fulfill the stranger's dying request. Their trio is completed by the addition of a pragmatic lawyer, Padraig - a character that offers a liberal serving of comic relief through his quirky disposition and eccentric style.

The film exquisitely unpacks the complexity of relationships, focusing on the bonds between estranged family, newly formed friends, and the innately human desire to fulfill responsibilities, no matter how suddenly or strangely they might appear in our lives. It effortlessly weaves humor into the narrative while wrestling underlying dark themes - giving it an overall distinctly Irish flavor.

Beautiful scenic shots of rural Ireland serve as a stunning backdrop to the characters' journey, subtly enhancing the emotive undercurrents of the story. Viewers are given a grand visual tour of the Irish countryside, from quaint village streets to rolling green landscapes, which enrich the film's setting and mood.

"The Last Right" is an appealing mix of comedy and drama, loaded with moments of hearty laughter and heart-wrenching emotion. It's a beautifully executed road trip movie that embarks on a more profound journey into the realms of connection, family ties, and redemption. The superb performances of the cast, particularly Huisman, Algar, and Bottomley, combined with the sharply penned script by Aoife Crehan, make the film a rewarding watch.

Moreover, the movie's appeal is not confined to its impressive screen performances alone. The original score composed by Gary Lightbody and John McDaid of Snow Patrol adds another dimension to the film, underscoring the unfolding narrative with matching ambiance and intensifying emotional resonance.

"The Last Right", in its core, is a touching tale about connection and disconnection, love and responsibility. It showcases the struggles of dealing with situations that life unpredictably poses while trying to make sense of relationships, personal loss, and last wishes. Despite being rooted in loss, the film reflects a warm tone, echoing its central message of hope, resilience, and our unending capacity to care about our fellow human beings.

In all, Aoife Crehan's "The Last Right" leaves an enduring impression on its viewers. It's an impactful cinematic creation filled with rich comedy, engaging characters, and a delicate handling of serious themes, making it a worthy addition to the realm of Irish cinema. An emotional rollercoaster of a road trip - "The Last Right" is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.