The Last Face

The Last Face, a drama from 2016, follows the story of Wren Petersen (played by Charlize Theron) and Miguel Leon (Javier Bardem). They meet in war-torn Liberia, where Wren runs an aid agency and Miguel is the head of Doctors Without Borders. The two fall in love but their romance is tested in the midst of violence, suffering, and conflict.

The film shows the harsh realities of humanitarian work and the challenges that arise when personal and professional lives collide. Wren and Miguel are both dedicated to saving lives in their own way, but they have different approaches to their work. Wren is well-meaning but her privileged background makes her ignorant to the complexities of Liberian society. Miguel, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran who has seen too much suffering and is struggling to keep his sanity intact.

Their love story is told through the lens of the wars that rage on around them. Liberia is in the middle of a civil war, and both Wren and Miguel must negotiate with warlords, navigate corrupt government officials, and dodge bullets to save lives. There are some graphic scenes in the movie that show the impact of war on civilians, and the harsh living conditions that aid workers must endure.

The Last Face is directed by Sean Penn, and he brings his characteristic rawness to the film. The movie is unflinching in its depiction of the horrors of war, and the scenes of violence and trauma are hard to watch. The cinematography is also stunning, and the African landscape is captured beautifully.

The performances of the actors in The Last Face are top-notch. Charlize Theron is convincing as Wren Petersen, a woman who is both compassionate and naive. Javier Bardem does an excellent job portraying the weariness and jadedness of Miguel Leon. Brandon Phillips, who plays a young Liberian boy, also does a great job in his role.

One of the main criticisms of The Last Face is that it can come across as tone-deaf. The film has been accused of using the Liberian conflict as a backdrop for a white love story. Some have also argued that the movie perpetuates stereotypes of Africa as a place of violence and poverty. These critiques have been echoed by many who feel that the film does a disservice to the people of Liberia.

Despite its flaws, The Last Face is still an important film. It sheds light on the important work of aid agencies and highlights the difficulties that aid workers face. The movie is a good reminder that the people who work in these fields are not just faceless aid workers, but real people with emotions and personalities.

Overall, The Last Face is a powerful film that is sure to leave an impression on its viewers. It is difficult to watch at times, but it is important to bear witness to the struggles of those who work to create a better world in the face of conflict and violence. Penn's direction, as well as the excellent performances of the cast, make this movie one that is worth watching.