“The Last Journey” (Den sista resan)

“The Last Journey” (Den sista resan) moved me to tears today. While the film deals with some sad themes, it’s also surprisingly funny and joyful in many ways. There was one particular moment, completely unexpected, that brought on the tears – not a sob, but that involuntary welling-up.

This 90-minute Swedish documentary, though it feels more like a narrative film, tells the story of a father, a former French teacher in Sweden, and his son. Nearing the end of his life, the father embarks on a road trip with his son and a friend back to France, a place he loved in his youth. The journey is filled with both humor and hardship. There are laugh-out-loud moments as the son and his friend try to recreate scenes from the father’s past, and there are also challenges, like when the father falls ill and they have to stop in Germany.

The film avoids predictable tropes. Just when I thought it might go in a certain direction, it surprised me. While the father is frail, he’s still very much present, mentally sharp, and able to connect with people. One particularly touching scene shows former students expressing their gratitude to him. It’s a beautiful reminder that even when physical abilities decline, the mind and the capacity for human connection remain vital.

It was fascinating to observe the son’s reactions to the ups and downs of the trip.

The film resonated with the audience, who gave it a rousing round of applause. I was fortunate to attend a Q&A afterwards at the Hayden Orpheum, with the filmmaker, the son, and his friend. I received complimentary tickets through my connection with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Australia, and the cinema was packed – I’d guess at least 200 or 300 people – with many Swedish speakers in the audience.

It was a unique experience. The two men spoke passionately and eloquently about the film, sharing their insights with humor and intelligence.

I highly recommend “The Last Journey.”