The Last Exit (2023) – Review

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“The Last Exit” General Information

“The Last Exit” Film Summary

On a dark, stormy night in the Scottish countryside, “The Last Exit” delves into the viewer’s fears of isolation and delightfully toys with our trust. Writer Neil Linpow and director Matthias Hoene start their crime thriller in a familiar setting with puzzle pieces audiences will recognize: a sympathetic family, two ominous strangers, and a house in the middle of nowhere. As “The Last Exit” continues, viewers think they’ll know where the story is going, but to this humble reviewer’s delight, we have no idea.

“The Last Exit” starts with Mama (Joely Richardson) and Maisy (Said Soverall) enjoying supper together as a storm rages outside. Mama clearly has a lot of responsibilities: parenting Maisy, working on the farm, and taking care of her ill husband consume most of Mama’s life. Yet the woman of the household doesn’t complain about her work and seems to enjoy the purpose and solitude of her life. The family’s solitude and safety are threatened when two male strangers come knocking at the door.

Matty (Harry Cadby) pleads for help when his unconscious older brother Jack (Neil Linpow) is severely injured. Mama reluctantly takes them in, but the two men’s identities and whereabouts remain a mystery. How did the two get to her house? Why is one injured? Why does Matty refuse to answer so many questions? As Jack heals, Mama suspects the two men are more dangerous than they’re revealing. When a trip to Jack and Matty’s car reveals a grim surprise, Jack takes matters into his own hands. He threatens Mama’s and her family’s lives, but Jack soon learns he isn’t the only one with a secret. 

“Who do you trust and what should you fear?” are questions at the core of “The Last Exit.” Within 90 minutes, the tightly told thriller keeps shedding light on a new dark corner of these characters, providing empathy for the characters and blood flowing in the story. 

“The Last Exit” Content Rating Explanation

“The Last Exit” is rated R due to violence, blood, profanity, and frightening moments. 

“The Last Exit” Character Descriptions

Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member.

Mama

Mama is the head of the household. She tends to her sick, wheelchair-bound husband, single-handedly raises her daughter, Maisy, and takes care of the daily chores on the farmland. While Mama wishes to protect her house and family, she’s keeping her own share of secrets. 

• The actor is also known for their role in “Nip/Tuck.”

Maisy

Maisy is an obedient and heavily sheltered teen daughter who hasn’t met other people besides her mom and dad. She yearns for another social connection and is curious about the people who come knocking. 

• The actor is also known for their role in “Saltburn.”

Jack

Jack is Matty’s older brother and seemingly the head of the criminal operation. Although injured, Jack is desperate to protect his brother and appease his boss, even if this means harming the family that saved his life.

• The actor is also known for their role in “Smash and Grab,” a short film.

Matty

Matty is Jack’s younger brother, heavily influenced by his older brother. Matty insists he’s not dumb, but he’s rarely willing to stand up for himself and suffers from an undescribed mental illness that requires medication.

• The actor is also known for their role in “Everything Now.”

Other Noteworthy Information

1. “The Last Exit” was originally titled “Little Bone Lodge.”  
2. Writer Neil Linpow also stars as Jack in the movie. 

Discussion Items

Let us know your thoughts in the comments:

1. How do you feel about the original title? Is “Little Bone Lodge” more intriguing or fitting than “The Last Exit”? 
2. Does the end make sense for you? Does it require too many conveniences?

“The Last Exit” Review

Our Rating: Positive (Worth Seeing)

Highlights

Ever-Changing View of Characters

“The Last Exit” begins with tropes found in horror movies, but it develops each of the four main characters into sympathetic and dangerous individuals. It’s difficult to talk about this movie without giving away too much, but part of its engagement is in the execution of how we learn more about each person. To put it simply, “The Last Exit” is good storytelling. 

The Atmosphere in “The Last Exit” Makes a Great Rainy Day Movie

If you’re looking for a movie to watch on a cold, rainy day and are in the mood for a gory, twisted tale, “The Last Exit” is worth your time. The movie is cloaked in gray, shadows, rain, and morning fog. All of the cool tones make the blood more vibrant and chilling. 

On The Fence

The Twists Require Increased Suspension of Disbelief

Horror movies especially require audiences to go along with a premise without questioning too much. “The Last Exit” is smart enough to keep explanations vague, but you’re still left wondering how Mama was able to keep her secrets for so long. Furthermore, the end grouping of Mama, Matty, Jack, Maisy, and Jack’s boss requires leaps of logic and so many moving pieces that it feels more chaotic than suspenseful.

Who Is This For?

Fans of thrillers, twists, and gore will enjoy “The Last Exit.”  

Recommendations

If you like this movie, we recommend:

1. The Fall of the House of Usher
2. Nightmare
3. Dear Child

Check out our movies page for our latest movie reviews and recommendations.

The Last Exit (2023) – Review

Overall

Within 90 minutes, the "The Last Exit" keeps shedding light on a new dark corner of these characters, providing empathy for the characters and blood flowing in the story. 

Highlights

Ever-Changing View of Characters

The Atmosphere in “The Last Exit” Makes a Great Rainy Day Movie

Disputable

The Twists Require Increased Suspension of Disbelief

80

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