Directed by Patrick Rea and written by leading actress Whitney Wegman-Wood, after a collection of environmental disasters lead society to the brink of collapse a young mother must find ways to survive with her small child as they navigate the near-future apocalypse. Also starring: Cooper Andrews, Merrick McCartha, Adam Boyer, Amber Grayson and Ivy Hickman.
Patrick Rea and Whitney Wegman-Wood aren’t pulling their punches in the opening of The Last Butterflies, going for an intense atmosphere to kick things off with a bang. It dives right into familiar territory with its themes of environmental disaster and dystopian futures. Its story captures that quintessential and highly relevant idea of ignoring warning signs, how our planet may be ruined by our own hinderance to act, or plain old ignorance and greed. Sending a great message about the importance of prevention and early actions.
However, it is hindered by how familiar the path it follows is, you quickly know where it’s going and while the journey is well done, it can only offer so much. Especially when its progression is quite simple and not a lot is actually happening. Although the relationships which create the heart of The Last Butterflies are sweet and extremely wholesome. In that sense it sets itself apart, because getting a sincere relationship is not always a given with this type of disaster driven cinema.
A lot of that is due to the performances from Whitney Wegman-Wood, Cooper Andrews and Ivy Hickman. Andrews is of course no stranger to an apocalyptic future after his turn in The Walking Dead, which makes him a great addition to The Last Butterflies. He has such a warm and generous presence which feeds strongly into the film’s sincerity.
Wegman-Wood on the other hand presents the more logical, survival angle, her character is remarkably resilient and the lengths she’ll go to, to protect her daughter are portrayed extremely well. Then Hickman rounds out the trio well, her part may be smaller but having a child actor who can further the family’s genuine connection, is always a benefit.
The Last Butterflies has a great trio at its core, building a big heart amongst its tale of survival and slowly losing hope in a cruel world. Visually, it ticks the right boxes and plays it smartly, not trying to be bigger than its budget or use effects, focusing on the family side to its story. However, there have just been too many similar stories for this one to truly make its mark or hold an edge of unexpectedness. It’s solid work, it solely needed another element to elevate things.
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