Last Journey of Paul W.R. – Movie Review
Director: Romain Quirot
Writer: Romain Quirot (Screenplay)
Writer: Antoine Jaunin, Laurent Turner (Collaboration)
Cast
- Hugo Becker (Assault)
- Jean Reno (Leon)
- Paul Hamy (9 Fingers)
- Lya Oussadit-Lessert (Sweetheart)
- Bruno Lochet (Le Clan)
Plot: The red moon threatens our existence on earth. Our only hope is the enigmatic Paul WR, the most talented astronaut of its generation. But a few hours before the start of the Great mission, Paul disappeared.
Runtime: 1 Hour 27 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Last Journey of Paul W.R. starts as the world faces extinction as the red moon threatens to collide with Earth. Astronaut Paul W.R. (Becker) is preparing for a final mission to save the planet. Only he goes on the run, seeing the world facing destruction.
As Paul goes on the run, his brother Eliot (Hamy) tries the mission, which seems to fail. Paul has some unfinished business he wants to take care of, as he is left to figure out what is important, trying to save the world or enjoying his final moments.
Verdict on Last Journey of Paul W.R.
Characters
Paul W.R. is a brilliant astronaut, trained to be Earth’s savior from destruction. He has gone on the run, in search of answers about his childhood visions. Paul believes that they contain a better solution for saving the world, but it is a risk he is willing to take.
Elma joins Paul on his journey, giving her a chance at her own adventure for her final days on Earth. She has been through a lot before, and this is her last chance to feel valued in life.
Henry W.R. is Paul’s father, he has trained him for this mission and became concerned about the visions he suffered with. He tried solving them with medicine, believing it would help solve the problems for the greater good of the planet.
Performances
Hugo Becker in the leading role is great, as he shows the uncertainty his character is going through. He brings everything to make his character look like he is about to risk everything for another solution.
Jean Reno shows us the mentor figure, used to create the mission and bring the added star power to the movie. Lya Oussadit-Lessert as the plucky young woman who joins Paul on his journey brings more heart to the bigger journey.
Story
The story follows an astronaut on the run from a mission that could save humanity. He wants to find his own answers about life before he goes, believing he won’t make it back otherwise.
This is an interesting story that shows how the Earth can face destruction and the person who could save it, must face their own reality before diving in headfirst. The dystopian environment in the story helps show us how much is at stake. This story does take on the disaster story in a different direction too, without needing to go for the mega destruction moments.
Themes
Last Journey of Paul W.R. is a sci-fi thriller set in a dystopian world. the empty environment, despite having modern technology including hovercars shows humanity facing the last hope to survive. Even using modern technology, we get to keep most of the film looking like a not-too-distant future. The whole movie has a feel of a mixture of ‘The Bad Batch’ & ‘Turbo Kid’.
Final Thoughts – Last Journey of Paul W.R. is a techno-sounding dystopian treat.
