The Last Thing He Wanted

Journalist becomes arms dealer in political thriller

Watch on Netflix
About The Last Thing He Wanted

Released: 2020

Platform: Netflix

Rating: R

Run time: 1h 55m

Cast
Anne Hathaway, Ben Affleck, Willem Dafoe, Toby Jones, Rosie Perez, Edi Gathegi, Mel Rodriguez, Onata Aprile

About The Last Thing He Wanted

Explore:

About

The Last Thing He Wanted is a 2020 drama film directed by Dee Rees. It is based on the novel of the same name by Joan Didion. The film follows the story of Elena McMahon, a journalist who ends up becoming involved in the dangerous world of arms dealing. As she investigates the truth behind an arms deal that her father was supposedly a part of, she uncovers a web of deception and betrayal.

The film explores themes of political corruption, journalism ethics, and the consequences of one's actions. It is a suspenseful and thought-provoking drama that keeps the viewers engaged from start to finish.

Making / Production

The Last Thing He Wanted was produced by Netflix and premiered on the streaming platform in February 2020. The film was directed by Dee Rees, known for her critically acclaimed film Mudbound. Rees also co-wrote the screenplay adaptation of the novel with Marco Villalobos.

The production of the film took place in various locations, including Puerto Rico and California. The team behind the film worked diligently to capture the atmospheric and tense tone of the novel, ensuring a captivating viewing experience for the audience.

Actors

  • Anne Hathaway as Elena McMahon - Hathaway delivers a powerful performance as Elena McMahon, showcasing her range and versatility as an actress. She effectively portrays Elena's journey from a tenacious journalist to a woman caught up in a dangerous conspiracy.
  • Ben Affleck as Treat Morrison - Affleck brings depth to the character of Treat Morrison, a mysterious government agent. His portrayal adds layers of complexity to the story and keeps the audience guessing about his true motivations.
  • Willem Dafoe as Richard McMahon - Dafoe delivers a captivating performance as Elena's enigmatic father, Richard McMahon. His portrayal adds an emotional depth to the story and explores the complexities of their relationship.
  • Rosie Perez as Alma Guerrero - Perez shines in the role of Alma Guerrero, a powerful and influential figure in the arms dealing world. Her performance brings a sense of authority and intensity to the character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The Last Thing He Wanted marks the second collaboration between Anne Hathaway and director Dee Rees, following their work together on the critically acclaimed film Mudbound.
  • The film is based on the novel of the same name by Joan Didion, a renowned American author and journalist.
  • Several changes were made to the plot and characters in the film adaptation, allowing for a fresh take on the story while staying true to the themes explored in the novel.

Awards

The Last Thing He Wanted has not received any major awards or nominations at the time of writing.

Quotes

  • "Journalism relies on the integrity and truthfulness of its practitioners." - Elena McMahon
  • "Sometimes, truth doesn't matter as much as the story." - Treat Morrison

Music

The Last Thing He Wanted features an atmospheric and suspenseful musical score composed by Tamar-kali. The score enhances the tension and adds depth to the film's narrative.

Soundtrack

The Last Thing He Wanted does not have an official soundtrack released at the time of writing.