The Last Son is a 2021 American dark Western film about a deranged father who squares off against his own kin; apparently attempting to end his evil family line
Directed by Tim Sutton (Funny Face; Donnybrook; Dark Night 2016; Memphis) from a screenplay written by Greg Johnson, making his feature debut.
The Blind Wink Productions movie stars Sam Worthington, Colson Baker [aka Machine Gun Kelly] (Midnight in the Switch Grass), Thomas Jane, Heather Graham, Kim DeLonghi, Scotty Bohnen, Danny Bohnen and James Landry Hébert (The Pale Door; Bad Impulse; Looper).
Produced by Jessica Bennett, Steven Luke, Todd Lundbohm, Sherri Olson, Jib Polhemus, Andre Relis and Gore Verbinski (A Cure for Wellness; Pirates of the Caribbean franchise).
Plot:
Sierra Nevada in the late 19th century: Isaac LeMay (Sam Worthington) is a murderous outlaw cursed by a terrible prophecy, hunting down his offspring to prevent his own murder before targeting his son Cal (Colson Baker). With bounty hunters as well as the enigmatic U.S. officer Solomon (Thomas Jane) on their tail, all are set on a collision course…
Reviews:
“The Last Son lacks depth at times. There is a lot of room here for an emotionally deep story that is never explored. The pacing is also erratic with too many long quiet scenes […] Still, in an age where there are plenty of mediocre Westerns and not enough good ones, the film stands out.” AIPT
“The characters are poorly executed (little dialogue), and the way the director films key scenes gives the impression that he has never seen a western in his life (Rio Bravo, at random …). Formally, however, this manhunt impresses. We shudder in front of the spectacle of snow-capped mountains and icy landscapes. Heather Graham […], rapper Machine Gun Kelly […] and Thomas Jane […] undeniably add presence…” Another Film Another Planet [translated from French]
“Whilst being aesthetically pleasing, The Last Son fails at creating compelling enough characters to invest the viewer in its tired Greek tragedy-esque plot.” Clarion
“This Western, with hints of the Oedipus story, is elegantly composed and quietly paced, though the slower beats tend to work against the story’s more predictable bits, as well as its confusing parts.” Combustible Celluloid
” …The Last Son definitely has a lot of uniqueness to it compared to the regular offerings within the genre. All the film needed was some memorable scenes that can hold the collective attention of audiences. In spite of its flaws, it is still a great watch that is sure to entertain fans of westerns.” Keith Loves Movies
“Sutton is working from a Black List script by Greg Johnson that seems caught between understated moodiness and on-the-nose dialogue that should have been put out to pasture (“I just wanna know why.” “Why what?” “Why the devil won’t leave us alone”). It at times feels a rough cut of a more accomplished film, with most of the pieces in place but a few crucial ones ever so slightly askew.” Variety
“It may run too long and be a little too quiet thanks to Tim Sutton’s adoration for looks, but the story and drama of The Last Son are more than enough to pull the movie when it drags. Paired with an almost unrecognizable Sam Worthington and a moody atmosphere, there’s something here for western fans, even if everyone will see the cracks.” Voices from the Balcony
Release date:
In the US, The Last Son is released theatrically and On-Demand by Redbox and Decal Releasing on December 10th 2021.
Cast and characters (in credits order):
Sam Worthington … Isaac Lemay
Colson Baker … Cal
Thomas Jane … Solomon
Heather Graham … Anna
Kim DeLonghi … Grace
Scotty Bohnen … Cecil
Danny Bohnen … Soldier Ernie
James Landry Hébert … Grayton Willets
James Di Giacomo … Pierce
Jeremy Gauna … Lakota Warrior
David Myers Gregory … Gideon
Michael McCartney … Riverbank Father
Alex Meraz … Patty
Tim Montana … Bartender
Jodie Moore … Shopkeeper
Hiram A. Murray … Logan
Emily Marie Palmer Emily Marie Palmer … Megan
Stanley Schultz … Boss Wrangler
Steve Silkotch … Wilson
David Silverman … Big Buck
Tanajsia Slaughter … Old Woman
Andrew Stecker … Tough Customer
Kathleen Timberman … Shop Patron
Bates Wilder … Coleman
Filming locations:
Clyde Park and Pony, Montana
Technical details:
96 minutes
Working title:
The Last Son of Isaac Lemay
Fun facts:
This movie is Colson Baker’s second lead role. It is also his first Western movie.
Trailer:
Clip:
