Mikes Film Talk

The 2024 Belgian production The Last Front shows us a World War in the 1900’s. Otherwise known as WW1; AKA “the war to end all wars.” This was the first time the Germans decided to try out world domination. All this before Adolph Hitler was out of short pants.

The Story

A farming family in Belgium have their lives almost destroyed by the advancing German army. The soldiers are a part of the invaders of World War 1 Europe. Their village and neighbours become fodder for “The Hun.” A title given the “barbaric” army by British forces. Local farmer Leonard finds himself becoming both leader and saviour.

A German Corporal (Laurentz) has gone off the deep end and pursues a sort of personal vendetta against the locals. Leonard and his followers must escape to France.

Behind the scenes

Writer/director Julien Hayet-Kerknawi who co-wrote The Last Front with Kate Wood, gives us an intense but quiet look at the start of the first world war. The film sets a slow pace, mimicking the cultural lifestyle of that time period. Belgium, a part of the Benelux low countries, is horticultural by nature. Hayet-Kerknawi shows us the farming and low key, daily, events that are ever present in this time period.

Cinematographer Xavier Van D’huynslager has filled every frame with quiet authority. This matches the “theme” of “yesteryear” set by the director. Editors Dieter Allaerts and David Verdurme snap each scene smartly together. Their efforts make this almost languid paced film work. We never feel disjointed or lost. Each scene works exquisitely because of this.

The set designs, the costumes and the weapons all practically scream authenticity.

The Main Cast

Iain Glen – Leonard (widower, father, farmer.)

Sasha Luss – Louise (daughter and lover of:)

James Downie – Andrien, son of Leonard.

Joe Anderson – Laurentz. Vicious and sadistic soldier.

David Calder – Father Michael

Leander Vyvey – Peer Schultz, a villager who wants to fight the advancing army.

The pedigrees of all these performers is admirable. Most have impressive bona fides and the newcomers hold their own. Joe Anderson is spot on as the PTSD officer who cannot wait to hurt or kill another innocent.

The casting department worked overtime here to find the perfect blend of actors. No one actor makes a misstep here.

The only complaint

The only complaint I had was the “magic” ammunition. Each protagonist had rifles with, seemingly, unlimited ammo. Only one character snared a weapon from a dead soldier, and no one appeared to reload their weapon.

Ultimately forgivable

This apparent faux pas is, ultimately, forgivable. The tale is not about the mechanics of a firefight. It is about the people in the story fighting their way to safety.

It all works

The film’s score by Frederik Van de Moortel was masterfully done. Silence where it was needed and music to set the tone elsewhere. The scenes that required silence built up the tension nicely. It felt somewhat evocative of the 1975 Australian thriller Picnic at Hanging Rock. Like the Aussie film, silence equals tension and suspense. This limited musical score adds brilliantly to the terse atmosphere of The Last Front.

The Verdict

The Last Front is a solid 4.5 star offering from Enigma and writer/director Julien Hayet-Kerknawi. In cinemas at the moment, you really should try to catch this one. This is a lovely juxtaposition of intense quiet and the violence of war. It also affords Iain Glen the chance to show off those brilliant chops.

The trailer