Written and directed by Christopher Fox, an older woman’s mortality is tested after she loses her brother to cancer. With nothing else to live for, she meets a young black man who represents hope. Starring: Lester Greene, Jeff Frumess, Diane Bakos and Mike Connelly.

The Last Fishing Trip begins on an abrupt note, effectively making sure you’re paying full attention. It’s clear from the start that events have taken such a toll on Diana (Diane Bakos) that she’s in a state of not only mourning but having a slight separation from reality, unable to take in everything while her mind handles the loss. The direction follows so closely that it’s almost stalking Diana as she explores New York, a step behind her the whole way.

As Lester Greene’s Patrick gets involved, things start to get more interesting; the film makes a valid point that while you can have a very negative interaction with someone, a real opinion can’t be formed on so little. The tables turn and Patrick becomes the one who’s followed, leading to striking up a friendship with Diana that’s relatable and sympathetic, at times of loss it can be invaluable help to have an empathetic ear, especially someone who’s been through a similar experience, no matter who they are. Demonstrating a lesson of giving people a chance to show you the good, rather than assuming the bad, it’s charming even if naïve and slightly overly rosy for a story about grief.

The visual has a real, down to earth quality to it but this is slowly over taken by that innocent nature and things take a turn for the commercial, coming across like they’re about to start advertising for insurance, simply too easy and perfect, unlike real life. This is then followed by an ending that comes completely out of left field and leaves too many unanswered questions, which instead of being curious is more baffling.

The Last Fishing Trip is a classic case of having the best of intentions but things not coming together quite smoothly or convincingly enough to make something solid. It has a kind nature and a great moral of giving people a chance to surprise you but it isn’t quite enough to pull the whole film together.

Verdict: ✯✯