A small film in scale and power, Andrew Cohn's The Last Shift made a very minor impact upon initial release, with streaming kingpin Netflix giving this character driven and social commentary inspired dramedy a larger platform to find viewers but despite its failure to stand out from the pack in a meaningful way, Cohn's film is another showcase for the understated and underappreciated work of industry veteran Richard Jenkins.
Following the exploits of Jenkin's long standing fast good worker Stanley and his uneasy relationship with Shane Paul McGhie's new employee Jevon, who is an African American dealing with a troubled life and an inconsiderate society that shakes up Stanley's routine in the final stages of his long time coming final shift before retirement, The Last Shift is a familiar feeling topical feature that doesn't always head in the directions you expect with Jenkins delivering one of his best turns in years to become the films trump card.
A standout over recent decades in the likes of The Shape of Water, The Visitor, Let Me In and Bone Tomahawk, Jenkins is rarely given the chance to be the lead presence in a film that lives and dies off his work but the well-respected supporting actor is wonderfully attuned to his character here as the sad and sorry Stanley tries too come to terms with his soon to be new way of life, an understanding of the plight of Jevon and the fact his lived a life that is far from fully realised.
While well supported by the up and coming McGhie, Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Stanley's manager Shazz and the rarely sighted these days Ed O'Neill as Stanley's only real friend Dale, The Last Shift really is the Jenkins show and without him this quiet little character study wouldn't be worth the order, even if it is nice to see a narrative of this type with this particular message not just play out the two diverse races learning to become best friends theme that has driven a lot of similar films of this ilk in the past.
Considering The Last Shift is available too many film fans thanks to Netflix's large catalogue of titles that has many offering both great and small, while you're not going to be singing the praises of Cohn's film from the top of the rooftops, there's a gentle and enjoyable nature to what's on display here and there's little to lose in giving this intimate character study a chance.
Final Say -
Far from revelatory in any way, shape or form, The Last Shift may not be a knockout indie but it's a solid character driven feature that provides a rare chance to once more see Richard Jenkins get a rare chance to hog the limelight.
3 frozen burger patties out of 5
Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)
Following the exploits of Jenkin's long standing fast good worker Stanley and his uneasy relationship with Shane Paul McGhie's new employee Jevon, who is an African American dealing with a troubled life and an inconsiderate society that shakes up Stanley's routine in the final stages of his long time coming final shift before retirement, The Last Shift is a familiar feeling topical feature that doesn't always head in the directions you expect with Jenkins delivering one of his best turns in years to become the films trump card.
A standout over recent decades in the likes of The Shape of Water, The Visitor, Let Me In and Bone Tomahawk, Jenkins is rarely given the chance to be the lead presence in a film that lives and dies off his work but the well-respected supporting actor is wonderfully attuned to his character here as the sad and sorry Stanley tries too come to terms with his soon to be new way of life, an understanding of the plight of Jevon and the fact his lived a life that is far from fully realised.
While well supported by the up and coming McGhie, Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Stanley's manager Shazz and the rarely sighted these days Ed O'Neill as Stanley's only real friend Dale, The Last Shift really is the Jenkins show and without him this quiet little character study wouldn't be worth the order, even if it is nice to see a narrative of this type with this particular message not just play out the two diverse races learning to become best friends theme that has driven a lot of similar films of this ilk in the past.
Considering The Last Shift is available too many film fans thanks to Netflix's large catalogue of titles that has many offering both great and small, while you're not going to be singing the praises of Cohn's film from the top of the rooftops, there's a gentle and enjoyable nature to what's on display here and there's little to lose in giving this intimate character study a chance.
Final Say -
Far from revelatory in any way, shape or form, The Last Shift may not be a knockout indie but it's a solid character driven feature that provides a rare chance to once more see Richard Jenkins get a rare chance to hog the limelight.
3 frozen burger patties out of 5
Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)