The Last Victim

This film had the potential to be great. Too bad that wasn't the case. It starts out ok but goes downhill pretty fast. About 30 minutes in I had lost total interest. Basic 5 star film.

I'm not sure what people are griping about. I guess they think they could do a better film. (Bloody doubtful) There's nothing all that wrong with this movie. Some good performances, decent soundtrack, effective atmosphere. I think audiences just look for something to complain about.

It's not gonna win any awards but it's an entertaining watch.

Perlman is solid. Larter is strong. And the "bad guys" seem legitimately and worryingly nefarious.

Admittedly, there' a bit of an interesting interpretive scene the puts a speed bump on the road through the action, but it's short and somewhat logical.

The narrative may raise a few questions of continuity, and I can see a lot of grumbling about the writing. But when people site examples like The Mentalist as counter examples of good writing, you have to question the validity of the criticism. And I actually liked the Mentalist.

Again, this ain't palm d'or quality, but it's more interesting than a CBS formula crime drama.

Hate the drag-on slow pace. A thriller should avoid such slow-burn tempo. The totally unnecessary narration is another letdown, couldn't quite understand why the screenplay or the director needed to insert such unwanted blah, blah, and blah. Camera work is fine but too traditionally cliched and formulaic way of shooting, such as shot the person stepping out of the car, the shoes touching the ground, driver-side car door closed, then the camera following pair of shoes walking forward, the camera following them, then gradually raise up from legs, thighs, to upper body, but still only showing the back of the person...That, really sucks big time, man.

Then, there's a scene showing the sheriff and the female deputy sat on the rear of the police truck eating (lunch or supper?) in broad daylight. Then again, same eating scene, but it's totally dark. How long a meal could be last so long and so slow for just couple of sandwiches? Are the eating scenes that dragged so long for the purpose of building up the tension or just for the purpose to make the movie itself longer? So many unnecessary scenes could be smartly cut off and edited, but no, those scenes just have to stay to fill up the empty on-going. Man, why we have to watch a throw-back deadbeat thriller like this? An eatery in the middle of nowhere still opening for business at late night? It even equipped CCTV? One old woman running the diner?

Also, the killing spree is just kinda clueless and totally exaggerated, just to serve the hollow screenplay.

That is my recommendation to Hollywood. If you try it, I think you will find it is win win. As for the film, the cinematographer was in love with the locale, every shot is perfectly framed. Perlman could not give a bad performance even if he wanted to. Larter, in her 40s, still connects with the audience. The dog is well played. Basically the kind of film where you spend more time thinking about how to improve it than actually enjoying it.

"The Last Victim" (2021) is a compelling neo-Western crime thriller that seamlessly blends the gritty atmosphere of classic film noir with the rugged spirit of the American West. This American-made film carves its own path, delivering a strong story with a focus on complex characters and a visually striking aesthetic.

Sheriff Marcus (Ron Perlman), a weary lawman haunted by a past tragedy, finds himself on the trail of a ruthless gang led by the charismatic but sociopathic Jake (Ralph Ineson). The gang's reign of terror leaves a trail of violence and despair in its wake, forcing Marcus to confront his own demons while trying to bring them to justice.

The film masterfully utilizes the stark beauty of the Southwestern landscape, employing a dusty palette and long, lingering shots to create a sense of isolation and dread. The cinematography, by Lukasz Pruchnik, is particularly impressive, capturing the harsh realities of life on the frontier while also hinting at the underlying darkness that lurks beneath the surface.

The performances are uniformly strong. Ron Perlman, as Marcus, delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with guilt and the weight of responsibility. Ralph Ineson is chillingly effective as the leader of the gang, exuding a dangerous charisma that masks a cold, calculating mind.

However, "The Last Victim" is not without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven at times, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed. Additionally, some plot twists may feel predictable to seasoned genre fans.

Overall:

Despite these minor shortcomings, "The Last Victim" is a worthwhile watch for fans of crime thrillers and those seeking a unique cinematic experience. Its blend of genres, strong performances, and visually striking presentation create a memorable and unsettling journey into the heart of darkness.