Last Keepers

Last Keepers is a 2013 fantasy drama that tells the story of a teenage girl named Rhea Carver, played by Zosia Mamet, and her journey to save her family's legacy. Rhea is a passionate painter and a free spirit who has just moved to a new school with her little brother in tow. However, her life takes a strange turn when she discovers a family secret: she is a descendant of a long line of witches. Her ancestors have been responsible for protecting a mystical tree that possesses magical healing powers. But when the tree is threatened by developers who want to cut it down, Rhea understands that she has to fight to save it.

The movie stars Aidan Quinn as Rhea's father, Jack Carver, and Virginia Madsen as her mother, Caroline Carver. The family dynamics are complicated, and Rhea feels disconnected from her parents, especially her mother, who has had a history of mental illness. Caroline had been in a mental institution for years, and Rhea had never met her before. However, after moving to a new house, she finds her mother's diary and begins to understand why her mother was institutionalized.

As Rhea navigates her newfound identity and tries to protect the tree, she falls in love with an enigmatic boy named Oliver, played by Caleb Landry Jones. Oliver is a mysterious outsider who knows a lot about Rhea's family's history and possesses magical powers of his own. Together, they embark on a quest to unravel the secrets of the tree and stop the developers.

The setting of the movie is a small town in Connecticut, and the cinematography captures the beauty of the natural surroundings, emphasizing the importance of nature and its connection to magic. The score of the movie is atmospheric, and the special effects used to depict the magical elements are subtle but effective. The movie does have its flaws; the pacing is uneven, and some of the character development feels rushed or underdeveloped, but overall it's an enjoyable, heartwarming tale of family, love, and self-discovery.

The themes of the movie are centered around the idea of family and legacy, and how our past shapes our present and future. Rhea's journey is not just about saving the tree but also about understanding her parents' past and reconciling with them. She learns that her mother's mental illness was connected to her family's history and that embracing her identity could lead to healing for both herself and her family.

The performances in the movie are solid, especially Zosia Mamet in the lead role. She manages to portray Rhea's vulnerability, strength, and independence without resorting to cliches or stereotypes. Aidan Quinn and Virginia Madsen are convincing as Rhea's parents, and their characters' complexities add depth to the story. Caleb Landry Jones brings a certain charm and mystery to his role, and his chemistry with Mamet is enjoyable to watch.

In conclusion, Last Keepers is a charming fantasy drama that manages to balance magical elements with a grounded and emotional story. Its themes of family, love, and self-discovery are universal and relatable, and its cast delivers solid performances. While it does have its flaws, it's worth watching for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted coming-of-age story with a hint of magic.