There is a sinking feeling watching the opening scenes of “Last Straw.”
The indie thriller features a corrosive Final Girl racing through a labyrinth of awakening bromides.
Be patient.
The film is both invigorating and original despite the feminist trappings. You might even glimpse a pro-life gesture when all is said and done.
Young, bitter Nancy (Jessica Belkin) has seen better days. She has just discovered that she is pregnant and has no idea who her father could be. Her shrug at her possibilities is a little disgusting.
She is forced to work the afternoon shift at her father’s restaurant. And, at age 20, she suffers from typical Gen Z malaise. Oh, and she has a temper and a strange sense of entitlement.
Are we supposed to support or against our main character?
Said day gets worse when a co-worker (Taylor Kowalskisolid) rebels against his authority. Then the thugs enter the restaurant and test every last nerve.
This terrible day has only just begun.
We’ll cheer for the brave to avoid spoilers, but we should know that “Last Straw” has some major tricks up its narrative sleeve. First-time director Alan Scott Neal orchestrates the twists with confidence and clarity. He’s just as good with the young cast, which could have sunk under the low expectations of the genre, but never does.
Belkin has some unfortunate tics. Her character is whiny, unpleasant, overbearing and rude…an ultimate girl with resentment. The actress safely lets Nancy grow throughout the film.
Most of the film takes place in a single setting: a Heartland restaurant that feels warm and familiar. However, “Last Straw” doesn’t feel tight in any significant way. Try to live it and relate.
One of the biggest twists strains credulity. Later, our heroine pulls off two clever moves in the third act. One will leave you scratching your head while the other is a marvel of simplicity.
Jeremy Sisto doesn’t have much screen time, but the genre veteran delivers as Nancy’s father. He is both paternal and impatient, but his presence matters. Nancy has some steel in her spine and he partially explains why.
“Last Straw” doesn’t flood the screen with violence, but there isn’t a dull moment. And, at just under 90 minutes, the running time is wonderfully perfect.
Some viewers, if they watch “Last Straw” on a streaming platform, may not get to the “good stuff.” The script exaggerates Nancy’s plight in a decidedly woke manner. Nobody takes her seriously! The local sheriff, who rushes to the restaurant when he calls 911, is caught looking at Nancy’s butt.
Cue eye roll.
Consider it progressive throat clearing. Once this is done, prepare to enjoy an intelligent and provocative thriller that subverts your expectations in a refreshing way.
Hit or miss: “Last Straw” rises above feminist talking points to offer an intelligent and original journey around the limitations of the genre.