If You Were the Last

The storyline has some interesting beats, and the performances by the leads (Anthony Mackie & Zoe Chao) are endearing. While it's best not to dig greatly into the sci-fi aspects of the film, this is one of those films that's uplifted greatly by the camaraderie the protagonists share. Even routine activities carry a delightful charm, and given the isolated setting of the film, it also helps that both the leads are fantastic dancers.

The writing (especially, the dialogues) gives them both sufficient shades and spends time detailing their pop-culture preferences (music, cinema), making it easy to connect with their mindsets. A particular decision they decide to take (and the moral dilemma behind it) is presented quite nicely. The visuals exude a Wes Anderson-esque charm; the colors are rich and bright, making the environs of the "space box" really appealing. Some of the storytelling steam is lost in the final 30 minutes and the resolution to the film's core problem is rather quick, but it sure doesn't take much away from its watchability factor.

In fresh dramedy "If You Were The Last" astronauts Anthony Mackie & Zoe Chao are stranded alone in space for three years on a charmingly lo-tech spaceship (which is in no way authentic - that's not the film's vibe) with no comms to earth but food, air and batches of music & movies. To pass time they ponder issues like the pro's & cons of sleeping with each other - including the emotions involved (or lack thereof). Geoff Stults & especially Natalie Morales give good support, and Kristian Mercado directs with fine quirky style on his debut, matching debut writer Angela Bourassa's script that's more light, bright, chick-flick than legitimate sci-fi. A good, effective, original film.

I went in blind not knowing what this movie is about and I didn't really took the film seriously, I just wanted something to watch while I eat my meal then drink coffee afterwards. What does that have to do with this review? Because that was what this movie is like..

The movie jumped right into it and the audience was forced to watch the platonic bond between the 2 stars, but I never really felt the chemistry between the two. They don't really look good together. I wasn't feeling it, it didn't convince me. Unlike the movie Passengers which is similar to this, Chris and Jennifer's chemistry was on fire from the get go.

Now as I mentioned before, The meal I was eating as I was watching wasn't that good like a 5/10, but I was forced to eat it because I was hungry and nothing worth it in the fridge. That is what this movie was like the first 40min to about 1hr into runtime. Then it just clicks. The last 30 mins made this to a 7/10. The coffee.

Warm and sweet. Taking slow sips because its hot and it burns. Ironically, this was the time when the pair were not together after being stuck inside a spaceship, lost in space for 3 years, I was actually missing them together and I didn't even really feel that vibe and chemistry when they were together! So what gives?

Structure and character development. Certain events in the last 30 mins was where it all came together that it pulls you in. One of the most realistic love stories I've seen and I'm not even that interested in this genre. All that being said, The OST is also captivating. The songs were nice too.

I'm gonna cut this short as I don't like reading long reviews. This is not a chick flick per se, it's more of a love story. A pretty good one.

There is so much to like, from the cardboard space shuttle and cardboard planets and Styrofoam asteroids, to the very likeable Jane and Adam. No one would believe that would be any interior of a spacecraft, but it is perfect for the story. It is not meant to be a sci-fi documentary. And Adam with his obsession with Pop Tarts. They are stranded in space, no communications and no navigation and the movie starts out with a cost/benefit discussion as to whether they could/should be rescued. And they have been in space three years. Jane and Adam are married, but not to each other. Benson was along, but now only a skeleton in a spacesuit, and one doesn't get the story until late in the film. It is a very gentle rom-com on a very human level. What if they cannot get home? Jane tries working on the wiring to get things to work, but there are billions of possibilities, as the wires are not labeled. It is breezy, with lots of funny parts, including that Adam was terrified watching the film Alien. Yes, they have movies and music, and even a farm with chickens and a goat. And Adam is working on crossing marijuana with a blueberry plant. Suddenly, after a rewiring, they still don't have communications, but they get navigation, so they can be back on earth in three weeks. How is that going to work out?

I've never heard of Zoe Chao, but she is quite charming! And this is probably the first non-Marvel movie with Anthony Mackie that I actually enjoyed. Together, they make this idea work. And the levity of the interesting visuals works as a nice contrast to the seriousness of the situation, and it's quite different from my expectations.. which further assisted my enjoyment very much.

It's rather simple, but very personal. Goes to show that you don't really require a gigantic budget, when the idea and execution can properly entertain you for 1 hour and a half.

Easy recommendation for anyone looking for "Comedy + Romantic + Sci Fi" story.