Written and directed by Hemzah Naveed, ‘The Last Sunset’ is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi film that delves into one man’s pursuit of his lost wife. Richard Swift leads the cast as the central protagonist, who finds himself in a plight of conflict between survival, hope and loneliness. In spite of the film’s awe-inspiring production design and cinematography, the short takes an unfortunate blow within the narrative – as the core themes appear neglected in favor of blazing visuals. Nonetheless, the performances are well orchestrated – which thankfully will keep viewers engaged and enthralled.
The 17-minute short opens with a hazy dream-sequence, as the man fleetingly encounters his missing (or presumed deceased) wife. Extreme climate change has resulted in perilous radiation exposure – leaving the planet in a cataclysmic state. The level of extinction is yet to be uncovered. After an unhinged cannibal murders his companion, the man finds himself under captivity – with apparitions of his wife fueling his last ounce of hope.
Anton Jiracek’s consummate cinematography is undoubtedly the beating heart of the entire production. Shot in widescreen, with breath-taking landscape scenery, the film has all the right technical ingredients and atmosphere for the dystopian genre. Hemzah Naveed’s intensions are laudable, but the narrative fails to live up to anything special. The protagonist’s goal appears ambiguous, with limited urgency to reunite with his missing partner. The inclusion of the deranged lunatic impounds the already existing plot – an unnecessary addition that sabotages the reasonable set-up. Despite the beforementioned flaws, Richard Swift delivers a respectable portrayal throughout – the durable glue that keeps the film from falling apart.
