The Last Thing He Wanted

The Last Thing He Wanted is a political thriller film directed by Dee Rees and released in 2020 by Netflix. The movie is based on a novel by Joan Didion of the same name.

The story takes place in the early 1980s and follows the life of a journalist named Elena McMahon, portrayed by Anne Hathaway. Elena works for a well-respected newspaper, but she becomes disillusioned with her career when she is assigned to cover the 1984 presidential election. Her father, Dick McMahon, is a former CIA agent, who is dying of cancer, and Elena travels to Panama to take care of him.

During her stay in Panama, Elena meets a man named Treat Morrison, played by Ben Affleck, who is also a former CIA agent. Treat recruits Elena to deliver a package of arms to Nicaraguan rebels, but Elena agrees to the job only to uncover a story that can get her career back on track. She soon realizes that what she was promised and what she signed up for are two vastly different things.

As Elena moves further into the story, she becomes deeply involved in the conspiracy, and it becomes evident that she is being used as a pawn in a game that she does not understand. The deeper Elena gets into the story, the harder it is for her to escape. She is pursued by representatives of the government, journalists, and other interest groups, and she has to do everything in her power to protect herself and her family.

Rosie Perez plays Alma, a journalist who befriends Elena and helps her in her investigation. Alma is a smart and convincing character who shows Elena the ropes of her trade and gives her valuable advice. With the help of Alma, Elena moves closer to uncovering the truth behind the arms shipment and the men who orchestrated it.

The Last Thing He Wanted is a movie about betrayal and deception that leaves no one untouched. The plot is intricate, and the character development is multi-layered. The performances by the cast are outstanding, particularly Anne Hathaway who is brilliant in the lead role. Ben Affleck brings depth and charisma to his character, and Rosie Perez gives a vibrant and powerful turn.

The direction by Dee Rees is excellent, and the movie has an authentic seventies feel to it. The soundtrack is also a highlight, with music from Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Leonard Cohen. The cinematography by Bobby Bukowski is breathtaking, particularly the scenes shot in Panama.

In conclusion, The Last Thing He Wanted is a must-watch movie for fans of political thrillers. It is a complex and thought-provoking story that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The acting, direction, music, and visuals come together to create a cinematic experience that is both thrilling and meaningful.