LAST SURVIVORS: Survivalist Thriller With Spirit

The survivalist genre is an ever changing cinematic form of expression, encapsulating razor thin to deeply invested psychological emotions and situations all within the unrelenting drive to survive. And while some may leave a lasting impression longer than others, they each deliver their own level of catharsis. Drew Mylrea’s Last Survivors is a multi-layered examination into the relationship of father and son and the meaning of survival all within the framework of life following the downfall of humanity. While it may not be a film remembered years after its release, it is surprisingly engaging and philosophical as it peels away each perspective in the characters it chooses to examine.

A Film the Fights to Survive

Last Survivors has a soft opening — episodic-feeling, but peaceful. As the camera slowly takes in the forest setting, it not only resonates the feeling of isolation, the voiceover that accompanies it feels prophetic, almost a warning to the viewer. “It’s hard not to feel lucky”, the voiceover professes, his words quiet monologue bringing viewers through the forest, guiding us to the crafted utopia of Troy (Stephen Moyer, True Blood) and Jake (Drew Van Acker, Pretty Little Liars).

As we watch the two work together in both action and dialogue maintaining their home, the isolation initially established is effectively cemented. Further compounding is the feeling of codependence between father and son. As we discover, Troy’s ability to plan for the future provided him and Jake a chance to survive the wars. While it is not revealed how much time has passed since, there is the feeling that their aftermath and the need to survive runs through every fiber of Troy — and subsequently Jake.

Last Survivors struggles with its first act following this opening, father and son speaking to one another, but failing to fully engage an audience. Even as danger lurks, its aftermath presenting new challenges, there is no emotional connection with the characters that drives our concern. And as the film in the first act leans more to a modernized version of M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village and Margaret Peterson Haddix’s Running Out of Time, there is too much similarity to truly allow the film to find its unique perspective and voice.

As the film moves into the second act, Jake meeting the outsiders he has been warned against, the film truly begins to craft its engagement, welcoming investment from its audience slowly and cautiously. It is never in a rush to give too much away or outpace its narrative, but it is also aware of its need to keep the story moving. To be honest, by the time viewers reach the film’s end, they will be surprised to find how invested they really are, the film’s effectiveness sneaking up on you.

Survival as a State of Mind and Generational Beliefs

Last Survivors puts a spin on the idea of survival. Toted as a father and son living in the woods in a designed utopia following the downfall of mankind, the film evolves into a deeper examination of survival. It is not only one’s survival from an event, but also the survival of one’s mind, body and spirit. Each character in the film is working through their own survival, each with their own perspective to tackle. As each character is presented with their own struggle to survive, it gives Last Survivors a multilayered feeling to is narrative, providing further depth to its characters.

This is not just a simple story of surviving the elements, or the depravity of others, but rather one’s own mind, struggles and limitations. This complexity, as it builds, drives our engagement and investment as an audience, successfully bringing us to the film’s third act and emotionally crafted conclusion.

But it is not just survival that is at the forefront, but an idea of generational beliefs — those values and perspectives handed from one generation to another. In this case, it is Troy passing his own values on to Jake, his influence compounded by the isolation of the new world and the forest they have found sanctuary within. There is validity in both the belief system that Troy transfers to his son, the world view he has valid and true to him. Jake, limited in influences, sees this as doctrine. But as the outside world encroaches throughout the years, talismans to interactions begin to bring Jake new information and perspectives, not only challenging what he knows but empowering him to ask questions – to strive to see the world differently. It is a powerful showcase that will resonate strongly with viewers.

Conclusion

Last Survivors concludes on a high note, yet retains the same feeling as most survivalist films. What happens after you have survived? How do you move on from the experience? A good survivalist film crafts a deep psychology within its characters that by the film’s end you want to know what happens next. You want to know where this journey will continue to take them. It speaks to the depth Last Survivors is able to accomplish and the effectiveness of its narrative.

Last Survivors may fade to the recesses of your mind following its conclusion, but it is a film that for a moment will make you think deeper and reevaluate your own idea of survival – body, mind and spirit.

Have you seen Last Survivors? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Last Survivors will be released in theaters and VOD on February 4, 2022.

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