A Compelling Tale of Turmoil and Tension

Read Time:3 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Last County
–

Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 23m
Director(s): Barret Mulholland
Writer(s): Sean Kohnen, Matthew Kohnen
Cast: Kaelen Ohm, Gord Rand, Nicholas Campbell, Keaton Mulholland, Dayton Sinkia, Josh Cruddas, Benjamin Blais, Pedro Miguel Arce, Rodrigo Fernandez Stoll, Antonina Victoria Battrick, David Chinchilla, Jenny Itwaru, Delia Lisette Chambers, Cameron Stannard
Where To Watch: available OnDemand and Digital July 9, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Barret Mulholland's directorial debut, LAST COUNTY, spins a story of suspense and drama that grips you from the start. Kaelen Ohm embodies the troubled Abby Gardner, whose fight with alcoholism and a deteriorating marriage drives her to a remote farmhouse. There, her life entangles tragically with a wounded criminal and a nefarious sheriff, propelling her into a relentless whirlwind of chaos and danger.

Mulholland's approach to the thriller genre is refreshingly inventive, mixing Western elements and dark comedy splashes to create a roller coaster of emotions and tension. The film's visual narrative, steered by cinematographer Matthew Kohnen, captures the evolving psychological landscapes of the characters, adding depth and intrigue to the plot.

Performance-wise, the cast delivers in spades. Ohm’s portrayal of Abby is raw and intricate, capturing the essence of a woman battling internal and external demons. Gord Rand as Bennet and Nicholas Campbell's portrayal of Sheriff Bill McLean are compelling performances that add a gritty, engaging, and thought-provoking realism to the dynamic between Abby and the antagonists.

The cinematography expertly captures the stark contrasts between shadow and light in the eerie confines of the remote farmhouse, magnifying the film's tense atmosphere. This setting serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama and envelops the story, enhancing Abby's suspense and isolation. The chilling seclusion of the farmhouse is juxtaposed with moments of stark, unsettling realism as Abby faces her adversaries. These elements are complemented by a haunting score that weaves through the narrative, heightening the sense of impending doom and the protagonist’s desperation.

LAST COUNTY delves deeply into the psychological underpinnings of its characters, exploring themes of redemption and moral ambiguity. Abby’s internal conflict, mirrored by the external chaos, poignantly explores human resilience and fallibility. The film challenges viewers to consider the grey areas of morality in crises, adding a layer of philosophical depth that encourages more profound reflection on the choices faced by the characters. This thematic exploration enriches the narrative, making the film a visual experience and a provocative psychological journey.

LAST COUNTY struggles to maintain its momentum at times. As the climax approaches, the narrative builds up to the finale, which doesn't meet expectations. The film resorts to a more predictable ending that doesn’t meet the initially promised complex setup. This pivot dampens the film's otherwise stellar storytelling and innovative blend of styles. Despite this shortcoming, the film marks Mulholland's ambitious and successful entry into filmmaking. LAST COUNTY invites a broad audience to experience its unique take on the thriller genre, establishing Mulholland as a promising filmmaker to watch.

This debut entertains and sparks conversation about the evolution of genre cinema and the rise of new talent behind the camera. It’s a narrative rich in drama and thematic complexity that encourages viewers to ponder the intertwining of fate, personal battles, and moral dilemmas.

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[photo courtesy of RED HOUND ENTERTAINMENT, BLUE FOX ENTERTAINMENT]

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