The Last Son (2021)

The Last Son, directed by Tim Sutton, is a moody, violent Western that breaks away from traditional cowboy tales to deliver something more brutal, existential, and poetic. Set in the rugged wilderness of late 19th-century America, the film presents a haunting meditation on fate, bloodlines, and the cost of violence — anchored by a chilling performance from Sam Worthington.

Sam Worthington stars as Isaac LeMay, a notorious outlaw who believes he is cursed by a prophecy that one of his children will be the cause of his death. Driven by this belief, LeMay begins hunting down his own offspring to prevent the inevitable. His final target is Cal (Colson Baker, aka Machine Gun Kelly), a young, ruthless killer who shares his father’s violent nature but none of his guilt.

As LeMay closes in on Cal, a cat-and-mouse chase unfolds across snowy landscapes, with a weary U.S. Marshal (Thomas Jane) trailing both men. The story becomes less about pursuit and more about inevitability — a slow unraveling of destiny, identity, and damnation.

Sam Worthington delivers one of the most intense performances of his career. As Isaac LeMay, he’s grim, hollow-eyed, and haunted by both his past crimes and his grim future. He plays the role not as a traditional Western antihero but as a man already half-dead — a ghost dragging his own curse behind him.

Colson Baker surprises with a gritty, unpolished performance as Cal. His portrayal of a wild and unpredictable young outlaw adds chaotic energy to the film. Thomas Jane provides a grounded contrast as the lawman who, unlike the other characters, still clings to some sense of justice and order.

Visually, The Last Son is stark and beautiful. Shot against cold, mountainous backdrops, the film evokes a feeling of isolation and decay. The harsh landscape mirrors the emotional desolation of its characters. The cinematography, by David Gallego, uses wide shots and natural light to create a sense of stillness, often letting the silence say more than the dialogue.

The film’s score is minimalist, allowing ambient sounds and wind-blown tension to heighten the experience. The mood is meditative and ominous, more The Revenant than Tombstone.

The Last Son is less about action and more about fatalism. It dives deep into themes of legacy, guilt, and the inescapable nature of violence passed from generation to generation. There’s a mythic tone to the film — as if its characters are cursed not by gods, but by their own blood.

It’s a slow-burn experience, prioritizing mood and reflection over shootouts. While this pacing may not appeal to all Western fans, those seeking something darker and more philosophical will appreciate its depth.

The Last Son is a bleak and thoughtful Western that stands apart from the genre’s usual offerings. With strong performances, haunting visuals, and a chilling atmosphere, it’s a story about the futility of trying to outrun fate. Though its pacing may test the patience of viewers looking for traditional Western thrills, it delivers a powerful, meditative narrative about fathers, sons, and the ghosts we carry.