Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Last Party’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One particular corner of the human experience that is explored often in storytelling, is our youth, and rightfully so. Simply because, childhood and our teenage years are supremely important for certain. For this is when powerfully formative moments take place for us, and showcasing those moments in cinema, or on television or in print… helps us to understand the impact of moments that were just another day to us back then, and help us to reflect upon how they brought us to the point we are currently at, and how we can change accordingly if we’re not happy with the end result. Not to mention… for those still in the midst of their youth, seeing some of those moments in those mediums, helps them to process big moments or recognize their arrival.
​
But while that has brought forth a plethora of stories that offer nostalgia and lessons and guidance for some… there is something critical that few of those stories tap into that honestly, they should. In that, so few of them… really capture the vibe of being young. For it is a very strange time in our lives as well, for we are barreling toward adulthood and trying to process so much. Which makes our youth a surreal and confusing experience at times, and that should be expressed in these mediums as well. Thankfully, it just so happens that a new film offers up a story that explores our youth and critical formative moments in a manner that expresses how it actually feels to go through it… in Last Party.

A feat that this film accomplishes by plunging us into an important night for four former high school students. For they have graduated at last from a critical period in our lives, and to celebrate, all gather at a party. One that is filled to the brim with good music from a live deejay, and drinks and the usual stuff we see at a party. But instead of reflecting deeply upon their four-year experience, each of these teens on the cusp of adulthood… go through some fascinating interpersonal experiences. The kind that are scary, sexual, and unnerving, and as the night goes on… they try to process what those experiences mean to them as they come to realize they are at the end of one important chapter in their lives and are about to embark on a long and winding new one.

Which really is… the perfect way to explore the surreal nature of this transitional period in our lives. For we are told the instant we get our diploma, we’re adults now, and we must either head to college and further our education or get out into the world and work and pay rent, which is due on the first of the month. Which is a lot to process. Since we are but hours before (or after) graduation and are still thinking about having a good time and partying with our friends and well… that confusion is something that this film encapsulates perfectly. Since we see everyone try to sort out this transition to adulthood through their experiences in ways that are supremely unique. Giving rise to some powerful moments of growth and inflection for the audience.
​
But where this film truly shines… is how it recreates the emotions and the vibe of those moments. Because this transition period is, and will forever be, a surreal experience. One that is distracting and confusing and at times… almost ethereal. As though deep down we know that change is happening at a rapid pace and nothing will ever be the same, but there is nothing to do about it but forge ahead into adulthood and see what lies ahead. And this film really captures those feelings to a tee, and really expresses them in a manner that we could not express back then, and perhaps struggle to do so now. Which brings forth some fascinating visuals and moments that give us pause.

Of course, it is how that is done that also makes this feature special. Simply because the film’s director, Nicolas Dozol, uses different genre styles to express those moments. Which gives life to a film that peppers in the fear of horror and the beauty of romance and the gravitas of drama and comedy. All so that we are presented with a visceral experience. One that truly encapsulates the surreal nature of youth and our transition into adulthood in a manner rarely seen in film. All of which is captivating to see play out, courtesy of some fine performances and familiar moments that take us back to a simpler yet complex time. Where the world was our oyster and yet… we weren’t quite sure we were ready to go out and conquer it.
​
‘Last Party’ is now playing at the Laemmle Monica Film Center from February 9 -16th in Santa Monica, for tickets, click here.

---