DIRECTORS
Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson
Tårtgeneralen

The highest grossing Swedish documentary in history, The Last Journey (Den sista resan), must be the most crowd-pleasing documentary feature I have seen. The audience I shared this endearing experience with were frequently in stitches of laughter.

There is absolutely no doubt this documentary will be adapted into a feature film, and probably in the very near future too. And then an American remake. Sigh.

Like many crowd-pleasing stories, the core of this one comes from a place that is anything but pleasing, yet comes from the heart nonetheless. That heart belongs to Filip Hammar, who together with his best friend, Fredrik Wikingsson, take Filip’s father, Lars, for a road trip to France in hope it brings back his zest for life. You see, the octogenarian has undoubtedly but unofficially been struck down by depression and spends his days ostensibly waiting for the final one to arrive, quite comfortably in his Belgian leather armchair. This is understandably incredibly tough for Filip and Lars’ wife, Tiina, to see every day. Especially considering the joie de vivre they know the former French teacher once had.

Given that so many of Lars’ fondest memories reside in France and that it is a country he feels a deep connection with, Filip and Fredrik escort Lars to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the French Riviera seaside town they holidayed as a younger family.

One of the reasons for its success and popularity at home in Sweden is who the co-directors are. Local audiences know Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson as writers, journalists and television hosts. They are known for their youthful and intellectual humour, and their unconventional journalism. The other reason is simply because of how sweet, personal and infectiously relatable they have willingly shared this special yet challenging time in their lives.

The love that Filip embodies and exudes for his old man is truly something to behold. He evidently thinks the absolute world of him. I mean heck, Lars’ greatest sin in 60 years, the moment in his life he’d like to have back that he takes to confession, is for rudely speaking to and cursing at a cab driver! Gorgeous. Just gorgeous! It is via moments like this golden one, and there are many of them, that viewers can truly get to know Lars in the real world. We can see glimpses of the man he is at heart, the one that Filip knows so well and is doing his utmost to resurrect and save. At times, especially later, a slightly uncomfortable feeling is present when it becomes more obvious that Filip is in denial and therefore not ready to face what will be inevitable. Could this end up doing more harm than good to his dearest father? How far is too far when forcing someone to do something you believe is best for them against their will?? Thankfully, taking our rightful place in the chair of the viewer, I can say the standouts here you will be remembering The Last Journey for are its raw, beautiful and hilarious moments (crossing the border, the traffic argument and the outdoor movie experience for me!) and how it reveals a constant mix of amusing and poignant moments all throughout.

The Last Journey is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from February 27th.

Moviedoc thanks Universal Pictures and The Astor Theatre for the invitation to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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