The Last Days - 12 Wochen nach der Panik

A mysterious epidemic similar to agoraphobia but with fatal outcome, extends worldwide, so that people cannot go outside, they were forced to take refuge in buildings and other enclosed spaces. Marc a computer programmer trapped in his company will try to meet his girl through the subway line and makeshift tunnels.

The new Pastor Brothers film, (Carriers 2009), is visually very powerful, both in photography and in the types of plans, showing an unusual Barcelona, scorched and desolate, but mostly deserted, with streets and avenues without a soul, a lawless city.

Good attempt at criticism from managers trying to make us reflect on our current way of life, so far from our natural origins. That with the help of a well-selected soundtrack might make more conscious thought to the room.

In terms of in script, it is the Achilles heel of the movie, because development of the story is very predictable, full of clichés and are not surprising, what is worst of all, dealing with an original idea in which people cannot go outside, it is unable to generate anxiety and claustrophobia in the viewer, giving the feeling that we are again faced an adventure story before an almost apocalyptic thriller.

6/10

Los Ultimos Dias is quite simply one of the best Sci-fis I've seen in years. Apocalyptic in style and set amidst the backdrop of Barcelona it explores several modern themes: our ever increasingly insular, urban and isolated lifestyles and our obsession with individualism and self reliance.

Directors David and Alex Pastor deliver us these themes with European subtlety; never lecturing nor forcing the point in a way American cinema seems often too frightened to attempt with this genre; a film for adults comparable and, dare I say it, even better than The Road (although not quite as morbid).

I suspect the subtitles will put some English speakers off, which is a shame as the script is tight enough, the sets visual enough, and the acting engaging enough, as to hardly notice them; so lost I was at times in this dark, apocalyptic, nightmare.

More ambitious European projects please! I may be English but I still find myself relating more to a Spanish sci-fi than to the heavy handed, patronising, spoon-fed treacle that constantly oozes from Hollywood.

The synopsis for this movie almost put me off as it seemed a little dull but I am so glad I decided to give it a go.

The basic premise is a guy looking for his love after developing "The Panic", a form of agoraphobia so severe it causes instant death. There is a little bit of buddy action thrown in as he goes on his travels. Please don't let that put you off, I am not into romantic films or buddy movies and I loved this. Well acted, beautifully shot, this one draws you in from the start and has you rooting for the main character until the end. There is not a huge amount of dialogue so even if you are not a fan of subtitles, it didn't detract from my enjoyment. There is a little action in it but it is mostly about how people deal with an apocalyptic event in a completely human way.

If you like your films with loads of action, gore and special effects then this probably isn't for you but if you don't mind something a bit slower like The Road for example, then you'll like this one.

"Los Ultimos Dias" is an excellent offering in the post apocalyptic sci- fi sub genre, in the best tradition of films like "The Road" and "Blindness". The story has a simple premise: what if, one day, for unknown reasons humans are unable to survive out in the open? "Los Ultimos Dias" tackles this premise head on and cleverly plays out the consequences of how humanity would deal with this problem, how would it move about, how would it find food, etc. The acting is solid throughout, as is the cinematography and the special effects, which were never unconvincing or distracting. The story itself is very well told, nicely paced, and never stretches believability. I'd also like to mention the wonderful musical score that beautifully complemented the visuals. This was an engaging, intelligent, and beautiful film that I can't wait to watch again.

Who else came here because of the COVID-19 quarantine? The premise of "The Last Days" is different than what we are dealing with, but long /short of it, is that people can't be outside. Despite it being a horror/thriller, I remember it being a beautiful compelling and haunting film when I first saw it nearly 7 years ago. Now I'm inspired to re-watch it 😊