The Last Right

The Last Right: Daniel Murphy (Michael Huisman) is flying home from the US to attend his mother's funeral when it turns out the guy next to him Padraig Murphy (Jim Norton) is bringing his brother back to Ireland to bury him. The quirkiness of this serious comedy kicks in right away as Padraig dies on the flight and has named Daniel as his next of kin. It looks as if Daniel has talked his way out of this quandary and he makes his way to Clonakilty where his brother Louis (Samuel Bottomley) lives. Louis is an autistic teenager still at school and Daniel will now be responsible for him. The corpse of Padraig follows Daniel (via the Garda) and at Louis's urging he agrees to transport the body to Rathlin Island, at the very other end of the Island of Ireland. A road movie ensues as Daniel and Louis are joined by an eccentric mortician, Mary (Niamh Algar) in their journey.

There are perhaps too many odd characters in the film as a Detective Superintendent (Colm Meaney) sets off in pursuit of the trio after a misunderstanding with a pellet gun results in them being perceived as a criminal gang. Serious relationship questions are teased out as Daniel wants Louis to move to the USA but Louisa doesn't wish to lose his girlfriend. An awkward, troubled affair starts to develop between Daniel and Mary. There is no stereotyping of Autism and though Rain Man is referenced it is used to develop a conversation on how there are many points on the spectrum and Louis is an individual with his own strengths. There is also a major plot reveal which influences the viewers understanding of the narrative.

A solid drama/comedy written and directed by Aoife Crehan. 8/10.

Very enjoyable film from start to finish, beautifully written.

Though the subject matter may be a little dark, the film handles it in a light hearted manner that is still respectful to the dead. The story is hilarious, and touching as well. The beautiful Irish scenery is on the showcase as well. I really enjoyed this morbidly delightful comedy.

It's certainly not the best movie I've seen this year, but it has a lot of heart in it, and lots of messages and lessons to give in a well-crafted package. And while it lasts around 1 hour and 40 minutes, it felt longer to me.. like a tv series of sorts. I was half-way there when I started to wonder how much was left. It's quite a bit of drama! But somehow felt "childish".. yet very realistic. The characters are not those you'd easily fall in love with, and their interactions are not as memorable. And some of their choices are questionable, but it's that sort of film that makes me wonder how I'd react if I was in their shoes.

Still! It's a plot I've never seen before.. and got "out of hand" at times, which I appreciate, because it's better to be surprised than bored.

Just wished the movie had more landscapes or better shots, to at least fall in love with the island.

I don't think this is much of a comedy, though there are definitely smile worthy scenes and moments and the entire plot is rather absurdly enjoyable. It is a touching little oddball movie that is quite a pleasant ride, literally and figuratively. The cast is also good, particularly the three leads. I had never heard of it before stumbling upon it, but I'm glad I did.