The Last September

The Last September is a riveting drama film released in 1999, directed by Deborah Warner. The film features a sterling ensemble cast led by the esteemed Michael Gambon, along with Tom Hickey and Keeley Hawes. The film is a stellar blend of history, romance, and suspense, set against the picturesque backdrop of 1920s Ireland, during the tumultuous period of the Irish War of Independence.

In this intense historical drama, Gambon portrays the character of Sir Richard Naylor. He and his wife, Lady Myra, played by Maggie Smith, are Anglo-Irish aristocrats residing in their sprawling yet slowly deteriorating mansion named 'Danielstown' in Country Cork, Ireland. An aging couple who reflect the aristocratic grandeur of the old world, they struggle to maintain their opulence amidst the mounting political unrest enveloping their homeland.

Tom Hickey plays the role of O'Brien with distinction, a handyman who works for the Naylors. His character subtly highlights the socio-economic divide of the era and provides an earthy contrast to the refined aristocracy of the Naylors. Hickey's quiet yet powerful performance serves as a foil to the theatricality of the upper classes.

Keeley Hawes, as Lois Farquar, the orphaned niece of the Naylors, offers a captivating performance. She is the youthful energy and romantic heart of the film, her relationships, emotions, and life-defining decisions forming a pivotal part of the movie narrative. Visiting her aunt and uncle for the summer, Lois is a character tormented by the choices she must make. Not only does she have to navigate the oppressive societal norms of the aristocrats around her but also manage her attraction to two contrasting suitors.

The first of them is a British army captain, Gerald Colthurst, portrayed by David Tennant, who represents stability and continuity. The second is a clandestine Irish freedom fighter, Peter Connolly, played by Gary Lydon, who symbolizes rebellion and change.

Beyond the riveting drama unfolding within the aristocratic environment, the setting of The Last September itself is a crucial character in the film. The viewer gets a glimpse into the 1920s era of turmoil in Ireland, as the fight for Irish independence intensifies, bringing unprecedented change that threatens the very existence of the Anglo-Irish upper classes.

The filmmaker brilliantly underscores this upheaval through the ever-present military presence of British soldiers led by Captain Colthurst, who is stationed on the Naylor's property, and the sudden violent ambushes by Irish guerrilla fighters. This tense atmosphere stands in stark contrast to the privileged leisure-filled life inside the mansion, creating a sense of doom that looms over the characters and the viewer.

Interweaving personal romance and political intrigue, the film beautifully captures the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. The production design masterfully captures the period, with the crumbling mansion symbolizing the decline of a dying aristocratic order and the end of British colonial rule in Ireland.

John Banville's screenplay, an adaptation of Elizabeth Bowen's 1929 novel of the same name, provides a multi-layered narrative. It subtly juxtaposes the various socio-economic settings, from the grandeur of aristocratic estates to the harsh reality of warfare. Throughout the film, the sense of time and place is compellingly evoked.

Michael Gambon's exceptional acting, Deborah Warner's expert direction and the strong supporting performances from Keeley Hawes and Tom Hickey transport the viewer into the epicenter of this socio-political cataclysm while maintaining the intimate story's heart. The Last September is not just a tale of historical chaos but also a poignant love story and a poignant portrayal of people caught between a rock and a hard place.

This film is a mesmerizing blend of history and drama that keeps the viewer engaged throughout its runtime. The Last September is undoubtedly a must-watch for those who savor historical dramas with vibrant characters and an emotionally resonant plot. It leaves the audience pondering the human capacity to endure and adapt in the face of severe societal upheaval.