The Last Thing He Wanted

The Last Thing He Wanted, released in 2020, is a gripping political thriller-drama that reveals the murky world of international arms dealing and political intrigue through the eyes of a passionate, uncompromising investigative journalist portrayed by Anne Hathaway.

The movie oscillates between the hustle of Washington D.C., and the raw, desolate realities of wartorn Central America during the Reagan administration in the 1980s, reflecting the contemporary socio-political scenario in an honest, albeit chilling, light. Based on a novel by Joan Didion with the same title and directed by Dee Rees, the movie narrates the captivating saga of a woman entangled in the trenches of both personal and global politics.

Hathaway plays the character of Elena McMahon, an experienced, audacious journalist. Estranged from her daughter, grappling with the ghost of her past, and dealing with an ailing father, McMahon strictly holds on to her journalistic integrity. She finds herself landing on risky assignments that involve exposing politicians' corrupt practices. However, an unexpected twist of fate lands her at the epicenter of the very crisis she was investigating - the complex, dark world of arms trade instigated by the U.S. Government. This entanglement beyond her role as an observer sends her to Costa Rica at the height of the Iran-Contra Affair, bringing us raw, visceral scenes of a Central American nation in turmoil.

Although the movie starts with a more journalistic flavor, the tone quickly shifts to a gripping action thriller when Elena must step into her father's shoes unexpectedly. She embarks on a dangerous escapade into the volatile world of weapons dealing, instigated not only by a sense of responsibility towards her father but also her tenacious commitment to truth and justice.

Hathaway is joined by a stellar supporting cast. Ben Affleck, playing the role of Treat Morrison, a high-ranking yet cryptic U.S Government official, complements Hathaway’s intense performance with his cool, brooding persona. His motives may seem unclear and his loyalties divided, adding to the general aura of ambiguity that pervades this world of arms deals and covert operations. Affleck does an excellent job of making the audience second-guess his character’s actions until the very end.

Rosie Perez, as Alma, Elena's loyal and feisty colleague, provides much needed companionship for Elena in this high-stakes adventure. Their camaraderie, born out of mutual respect and underlined with warm humor, is a highlight of the movie. Alma's character further represents the sense of urgency and determination for justice, grounding the story in more relatable and personal moments.

The Last Thing He Wanted, while being a highly engaging political thriller, also stands as a powerful reflection on contemporary politics, the media's role in it, and the personal vitality that can get entwined with global events. Director Dee Rees does a commendable job taking us on a journey that ambles loss, duty, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth through blurring moral lines and political boundaries.

There is a palpable sense of tension and danger threading through the narrative, and the atmospheric cinematography further deepens this feeling. The movie showcases the stark contrast between the sun-drenched dangerous territories of Central America and the cold, sleek corridors of power in Washington, with a carefully curated soundtrack enhancing the mood considerably.

The movie poses pertinent questions about international politics, the cost of truth, and journalistic ethos while offering a thrilling, if somewhat daunting, voyage into the underbelly of arms transactions. The Last Thing He Wanted offers audiences a fascinating and suspenseful cinematic experience amalgamated with powerful performances, showcasing a poignant tale of a woman battling in a world steeped in corruption, deceit, and danger.