Victor (Dan Berkey) is a recent widower who is struggling with coming to terms with his loss. When one day a young girl, Kaylee (Alexis Lariviere), shows up at his front door, both of their lives will change drastically. As a relationship forms and truths come out, the duo will have to face their realities. The Last Visit is their most important one, when secrets about themselves come to light–and the result of their conversation is astronomical.
It’s always risky casting a young child to play a pivotal role in a film, but finding the right child can light a spark that ignites the entire production and warrants the film merit. Lariviere is the right actor for the role, and she certainly sets the world on fire. From the opening moments of The Last Visit the world is exposed to a talented actor who is able to range from optimistic and giddy to downtrodden and depressed. She shines throughout the entirety of The Last Visit and she is an integral part of why this film is so appealing.
Opposite Lariviere is Berkey, and the two create a dynamic that is meant to appeal to viewers from all walks of life. They do just this. There is obviously a major discrepancy in the life experiences of Berkey’s Victor and Lariviere’s Kaylee–and they bring those realities to the table. The Last Visit explores what it’s like to learn from different generations–but also that going through something difficult by yourself is not the answer. Mark Clauburg explores these realities, and he sheds a light on the intricacies of human existence–and that’s a tall task. As the story plays out and the relationship develops, viewers can’t help to feel a connection between themselves and the characters. Viewers are pulled in and are capable of feeling like part of the film.
It’s a gutsy move to use a series of close ups to capture the emotion present on the characters’ faces, but Clauburg does it anyway, and cinematographer Steve DiMaggio captures everything perfectly. There isn’t a lot of room for mistakes in shots like these, but they’re necessary here in order for viewers to receive the emotional validity of The Last Visit, and the team behind the film pulls this off brilliantly. I was captivated by each of the actors’ performances not only as a result of their abilities, but as a result of the cinematography as well. The Last Visit is incredibly intimate, and it invites viewers into the story of Victor and Kaylee–making them feel like part of the journey and introducing them to a cornucopia of emotional pain.
The Last Visit is an example of artistic cinema, as it dabbles in unique and existential ideas, as well as depicting an extreme (but real) version of the world in which we live. Exploring the nuances of the hardships we face is art with a purpose, and that’s ultimately what The Last Visit becomes. The artistic nature of the film is welcoming, and it allows viewers to attempt to decipher the many messages present in the narrative for themselves. The Last Visit reaches viewers as individuals rather than attempting to create a cookie-cutter representation of the plights of man.
Through the artistry of Clauburg and his cohorts, The Last Visit comes to life vividly and realistically. The pairing of Berkey and Lariviere is unique, but it works wonders for the film as they are able to create multiple levels of emotion, and the film ultimately reaches viewers as a result of this and Clauburg’s creativity. This is a raw and honest look at love and loss.
Written & Directed by Mark Clauburg.
Starring Dan Berkey, Alexis Laraviere, Heather Brittain O’Scanlon, Ashley Licata, Richard Novak, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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