The Last Thing He Wanted

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 21, 2020

Genre
Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Anne Hathaway as Elena McMahon
• Ben Affleck as Treat Morrison
• Willem Dafoe as Richard McMahon
• Rosie Perez as Alma Guerrero
• Edi Gathegi as Jones
• Mel Rodriguez as Barry Sedlow

Director
Dee Rees

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Mudbound (2017)
• Pariah (2011)
• Bessie (2015)

Producer
Dee Rees, Cassian Elwes, Wayne Godfrey, Robert Jones, Mark Lane, Trevor Macy

Writer
Dee Rees, Marco Villalobos, based on the novel by Joan Didion

Budget
$20 million (estimated)

Production Company
The Fyzz Facility, Elevated Films, Panorama Media, Netflix

Running Time
115 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Violence
• Language
• Thematic elements

Movie Story
The Last Thing He Wanted is a political thriller that follows the story of Elena McMahon, a seasoned journalist who becomes entangled in a complex web of intrigue while covering the 1984 U.S. presidential campaign. As a committed and resourceful reporter, Elena is on the trail of a major story involving U.S. foreign policy in Central America, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she is drawn into the world of arms dealing.

Elena’s father, Richard McMahon, is a shady and morally ambiguous figure involved in illegal arms sales. When Richard falls ill, Elena reluctantly agrees to take over his last job, a dangerous mission that forces her to navigate a shadowy underworld of covert operations, double-crosses, and political corruption. As she delves deeper into the murky world of arms trading, Elena finds herself in over her head, caught between powerful forces that are far beyond her control.

The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between personal and political interests. As Elena tries to stay one step ahead of those who would see her silenced, she must confront the moral dilemmas of her actions and the cost of pursuing the truth at any cost. The narrative is complex and multi-layered, drawing on real-world events and the intricacies of U.S. involvement in Central America during the 1980s.

Anne Hathaway delivers a strong performance as Elena McMahon, portraying a woman caught in a dangerous game of international politics and personal sacrifice. The film’s tone is dark and suspenseful, with a focus on the ethical ambiguities faced by those involved in covert operations.

Special Effects
The special effects in The Last Thing He Wanted are minimal, with the film relying more on its atmospheric tension, practical settings, and period-accurate details to create a sense of realism. The focus is on the story’s intricate plot and the characters’ psychological struggles rather than on visual spectacle.

Box Office Performance
The Last Thing He Wanted was released directly on Netflix, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. The film garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with some praising the performances and ambitious storytelling, while others criticized its convoluted plot and pacing. Despite the divided reception, the film attracted viewers due to its star-studded cast and the reputation of director Dee Rees.

Filming Locations

• Puerto Rico
• Miami, Florida, USA

Notable Quotes

• “This isn’t the story I wanted to tell, but it’s the story I found.” – Elena McMahon
• “Some deals aren’t meant to be made.” – Treat Morrison

Behind-the-Scenes
The Last Thing He Wanted is based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Joan Didion, known for her incisive commentary on American politics and society. Director Dee Rees, acclaimed for her work on Mudbound, sought to capture the novel’s complex narrative and themes, focusing on the moral ambiguity of its characters and the shadowy world of covert operations. The film’s production faced challenges in adapting the dense source material, which led to the mixed reception of the final product.

Awards

• No notable awards.

Final Verdict
The Last Thing He Wanted is an ambitious political thriller that offers a dark and complex narrative anchored by strong performances, particularly from Anne Hathaway and Willem Dafoe. While the film’s intricate plot and pacing may be challenging for some viewers, it provides a thought-provoking exploration of the murky world of political intrigue and the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of truth. It’s a film that will appeal to those who enjoy slow-burn thrillers with a focus on character and moral dilemmas.

IMDb Rating
4.3/10