by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What if the world became covered in water? The ocean levels rise and leave the world with just two large land masses. Just imagine that all of humanity is pitted against each other and a few are relied upon for watch and safety. These few are isolated and relegated to rigs in the endless sea, keeping a watchful eye, and protecting their own by any means necessary. This is quite an intriguing concept which has so much potential with the ever-changing climate that we live in. But these people are just human and have human needs as well. Endless sea… waiting with little hope… and not much else to look forward to.
What a great setup, right? Last Sentinel is a film with so many ideas and so much potential. The challenge is to live up to those lofty expectations and potential. This science fiction thriller does deliver on a few things. Tanel Toom, the director, works with this isolated landscape in interesting ways. You can feel the vastness of it all and the discomfort that such isolation causes. There are scenes filled with tension and suspense as a mystery begins to mount (we will get to that soon enough). There is a specific gray and blue scale used for the film, and it works well to create an environment lacking life and hope. Even those who live on this rig lack that passion for life (even if a couple of the crew turn to other passions). But there is a bit of a sluggish pace to it all, and there are moments that feel like they drag. Toom does a fine job delivering some shocking and thrilling moments to shake it up, though.
What about this mystery? Is it compelling enough to anchor such a lofty concept? This crew has been waiting for months for the new crew who are meant to replace them. But it has been a long time without word. Things get complicated when a structure is found not terribly far from their own rig. The paranoia begins to mount and the distrust settles in between this skeleton crew of four individuals. Some are more deeply connected to others, but that does not mean they are more trusting than anyone else. This film lives and dies on sustaining this suspense and tension, which makes it harder when some of the reveals feel less exciting or interesting than they could have been. What is even more frustrating is the lack of meaningful use of the bigger world and ideas in the film. There was so much to work with, but the film decides to stick in the weeds. When the final scene arrives and leaves, the audience will be left wanting more, in the worst way.
What are the elements that stand out the most? Generally, it is the acting. Kate Bosworth and Lucien Laviscount are the two main actors who are saddled with anchoring the film. There is not a lot of chemistry between them (despite their relations), and even worse, the film puts so much on them. They are both fine, but they are certainly overshadowed by their costars. Thomas Kretschmann is a talented character actor who has some real solid work in his past. He brings a strength and intensity that was surely needed in the film. But Martin McCann is the more unhinged and aggressive presence and is certainly memorable. His contributions make things more interesting.
Does Last Sentinel deliver on some impressive pieces and a strong concept? Unfortunately, it frustrates more than it delivers. The story has its twists and turns despite its diminishing returns. A few standout performances and some strong directions are not enough to lift this sluggish thriller. It feels just as lost as this rig out in the endless seas.
Score: 4/10
Last Sentinel will be in theaters on March 31
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