The Last Thing He Wanted (2020)

Review Team

3/5

The Last Thing He Wanted, directed by Dee Rees, attempts to weave a compelling narrative around the tumultuous backdrop of the Iran-Contra affair. Starring Anne Hathaway as Elena McMahon, the film explores her transition from an investigative journalist to a reluctant participant in her father's sha ... Show more >> The Last Thing He Wanted, directed by Dee Rees, attempts to weave a compelling narrative around the tumultuous backdrop of the Iran-Contra affair. Starring Anne Hathaway as Elena McMahon, the film explores her transition from an investigative journalist to a reluctant participant in her father's shadowy dealings. Rees's direction is commendable, as she captures the paranoia and moral ambiguity of the era. However, the film struggles with pacing, particularly in the second act, where the narrative feels disjointed. Hathaway delivers a solid performance, but the supporting cast, including Ben Affleck and Willem Dafoe, does not fully realise their characters. The film’s tone is often heavy, which may alienate some viewers looking for a more straightforward political thriller. Overall, while The Last Thing He Wanted has its merits, it may not resonate with everyone, making it a film worth watching with tempered expectations. Show less

Editor Team

2/5

The Last Thing He Wanted is an ambitious attempt to tackle a complex historical narrative, but it ultimately falls short of delivering a cohesive story. Anne Hathaway plays Elena McMahon, a journalist who finds herself caught in a web of political intrigue, yet her character feels underdeveloped and ... Show more >> The Last Thing He Wanted is an ambitious attempt to tackle a complex historical narrative, but it ultimately falls short of delivering a cohesive story. Anne Hathaway plays Elena McMahon, a journalist who finds herself caught in a web of political intrigue, yet her character feels underdeveloped and disconnected from the plot's core. The film's pacing is uneven, often dragging when it should be gripping, leaving viewers feeling lost rather than engaged. While the cinematography captures the gritty essence of the 1980s, it does little to elevate the muddled script. The performances, particularly from Hathaway, are commendable, but they can't save a film that seems to lose its way amidst its lofty aspirations. In the end, The Last Thing He Wanted feels more like a missed opportunity than a thrilling exploration of political corruption. Show less