Director Justin Lin fled the “Fast & Furious” franchise in the nick of time.
The blockbuster auteur never had to send Dom into space or deal with metrosexual villainy. Instead, he took a step back and found a story worth his while.
That’s the tragic life of John Allen Chau, a Christian missionary determined to spread the Bible to the furthest reaches of the globe.
Literally.
Lin’s version isn’t perfect. Some creative choices feel too pat for such a messy yarn. Still, this is the kind of complicated storytelling that treats its subject matter seriously. It’s infectious, raw and relatable.
Sky Yang stars as John, an idealistic Christian hungry for something … more. He’s curious about the life of a missionary, but he isn’t initially sure he’s the kind of person to live it. His family prods him to pursue medicine, but that path doesn’t feed his soul.
Sharing the word of Jesus Christ? That matters most of all.
So he begins traveling the world despite his father’s protests, meeting fascinating new friends in the process. He slowly realizes he must do something big, a profound gesture to embrace his faith and share it with others.
He’ll travel to the North Sentinel Island to bring the Bible to its isolated people. It’s dangerous and foolhardy, but nothing will stop him from trying.
That’s the main story, but Lin tells Chau’s saga from a fractured narrative. We’re told early on that Chau disappeared during his quest, along with a storytelling feint to keep us off balance.
We’re also introduced to a determined Indian police inspector (Radhika Apte) searching for Chau or, at the least, his remains.
That “B” story adds a detective element to the film and showcases the varied perspectives Lin pursues. Chau isn’t a saint. He was likely a fool, one who didn’t process the implications of his quest.
Some suggest films demand a “perspective,” a lens from which to view the material. That’s often important and/or helpful, but “Last Days” embraces an all-encompassing look at the young man’s life.
And, wouldn’t you know it, it’s likely the best path forward given the source material. We’ve already had a documentary close-up on the matter.
This is deeply personal and, at times, profound.
“Last Days” is beautiful to behold, with sprawling vistas that capture the wonder of the lands Chau saw during his short life. Performances are strong across the board, but Yang’s Chau is a minor revelation.
Whatever flaws persist in the script are flattened by his quiet magnetism. It’s impossible not to see his bruised humanity, the hurts left by his imperfect parents and the immature hunger to make life worth living now, not later.
Some creative choices aren’t as successful as others, and the police investigation threatens to overwhelm the main story at times.
Those risks ultimately pay off. Chau’s life was anything but traditional, and Lin’s unorthodox take on it feels just about right.
HiT or Miss: “Last Days” is a fascinating look at a young man’s eventful life and tragic death.