In the fast-paced world of post-apocalyptic thrillers, The Last Drive (2025) shifts into high gear with explosive energy, grounded performances, and a surprisingly emotional undercurrent. Directed by David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde), the film blends classic car-chase action with dystopian survival storytelling, delivering a tight, adrenaline-pumping cinematic experience.
Set in a near-future America devastated by an energy collapse and political fragmentation, The Last Drive follows Jack Rourke (played by Oscar Isaac), a former getaway driver turned loner who’s reluctantly pulled back into a chaotic world of violence and rebellion. When he's forced to transport a mysterious passenger across what’s left of the Western States, he finds himself in a race against time, mercenaries, and his own dark past.
His passenger, Leah Voss (played by Jodie Comer), is no ordinary hitchhiker—she’s carrying stolen intel that could reignite a civil war or end it entirely. As the two blaze across desolate highways, shattered towns, and outlaw-occupied zones, they build an uneasy trust in a world where loyalty is rare and every mile traveled could be their last.
Oscar Isaac delivers a compelling performance as a reluctant antihero: hardened, silent, and haunted. His chemistry with Jodie Comer gives the film emotional depth, with moments of tenderness peeking through the tension. Comer is fierce and vulnerable in equal measure, balancing resilience with the burden of truth.
Visually, the film is a knockout. The cinematography captures the grit and beauty of a decaying world—rusted overpasses, endless deserts, and scorched cityscapes. The car chases, choreographed with Leitch’s trademark precision, are thrilling and kinetic, shot with a combination of drone footage and practical effects that keep the action grounded and immersive.
The soundtrack pulses with synth-heavy tension, and the editing never overstays its welcome. Every scene moves with purpose. While the plot follows familiar road-movie tropes, it’s elevated by smart direction, character focus, and a political edge that speaks to contemporary anxieties—fuel shortages, fractured nations, and what it means to survive in a collapsing system.
If there’s a weakness, it’s in the villain department. The primary antagonist, a mercenary leader named Grady Knox (played by Josh Brolin), feels a bit underdeveloped, leaning too heavily on cliché rather than menace. Still, his presence adds weight to the final third, leading to a satisfying high-stakes showdown.
The Last Drive is a sleek, emotionally charged action thriller that races across a broken world with purpose and grit. With standout performances and masterful action direction, it’s not just a story about escape—it’s about choosing what’s worth fighting for when the road ends.
