New Movies: The Last Front (2024) by Julien Hayet-Kerknawi: Humanity's Resilience Amidst World War I's Brutality
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 26
- 11 min read
The Core Story: A Farmer's Desperate Stand
"The Last Front" is a gripping Belgian epic period action drama, penned and directed by Julien Hayet-Kerknawi. Set during the initial, brutal days of World War I, it thrusts Leonard Lambert (played by Iain Glen), a widower farmer, and his family into a conflict they barely comprehend. As the relentless German war machine advances into Belgium, a period infamously known as the "Rape of Belgium," Leonard is compelled to spearhead a desperate resistance. The film follows his arduous journey to protect his community and ensure his family's survival, all while confronting ruthless German forces. Beyond the physical battles, "The Last Front" offers a contemplative look at the profound human cost of war, highlighting themes of lost connections, grief, and the complex nature of individuals caught in chaos.
Short Summary: A Village Under Siege
Julien Hayet-Kerknawi's "The Last Front" depicts the harrowing experience of the Lambert family, led by farmer Leonard, as their Belgian village is suddenly engulfed by the onset of World War I. Faced with the advancing German army, Leonard must protect his loved ones and community, leading a desperate fight for survival amidst unimaginable destruction.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9713418/
About movie: https://enigmareleasing.com/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-last-front (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/the-last-front (Canada)
Detailed Look: Life Interrupted by War
The film opens showcasing the peaceful, rural life of Leonard Lambert and his children, Adrien and Maria, in the Belgian countryside. Adrien's budding romance with Louise Janssen adds a layer of ordinary human drama before the world descends into chaos. The sudden and brutal arrival of German soldiers, led by the ruthless Lieutenant Laurentz and his father Maximilian Von Rauch, shatters their tranquility. Leonard is swiftly thrust into a leadership role, guiding villagers to safety, utilizing hidden passages, and eventually leading a desperate escape towards the French border. "The Last Front" vividly portrays the devastating impact of war on civilian lives, emphasizing personal sacrifices, difficult choices, and the enduring bonds of family and community in the face of terror. It is a story not just of combat, but of the internal battles and resilience required for survival.
Plot Summary: The Unfolding Conflict
Rural Idyll Shattered: Leonard Lambert, a widower farmer, lives a peaceful life with his children Adrien and Maria. Adrien is romantically involved with Louise Janssen, despite familial disapproval.
German Invasion: The calm is abruptly broken by the arrival of German soldiers, led by the cruel Lieutenant Laurentz and Maximilian Von Rauch, who immediately begin to pillage and threaten the village.
Leonard's Leadership: Driven by a fierce need to protect his family and community, Leonard takes charge, working with figures like Father Michael to find hiding places for the villagers.
Desperate Escape: As the German forces wreak havoc, Leonard organizes an escape, leading a group of villagers through the countryside, pursued relentlessly by Laurentz.
Fight for Survival: The journey to the French border is fraught with peril. The villagers, though untrained, must fight with everything they have against their malicious pursuers, testing their loyalty, courage, and hope amidst the dark realities of war.
Director's Vision: The Artistic Compass Guiding "The Last Front"
Julien Hayet-Kerknawi's vision for "The Last Front" is characterized by a deliberate departure from conventional World War I narratives, focusing instead on the unseen human dimension of conflict.
Civilian-Centric Perspective: Hayet-Kerknawi explicitly stated his desire to "move away from the usual tropes of World War I movies. No trenches, no left-side Allies, right-side Germans." His focus is on how ordinary people handled the war, emphasizing their struggle and fight for survival in their own lands.
Exploration of Human Nature Amidst Chaos: The film delves deeply into themes of lost connections, grief, and the complexity of human nature. It's a contemplative look at war that highlights the internal battles faced by individuals as much as the external physical conflicts that surround them.
Building on Past Work: The film builds upon Hayet-Kerknawi's 2015 short film, A Broken Man, which garnered international recognition, being selected to screen at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, indicating a sustained interest in these themes and a honed approach to storytelling.
Visual and Aural Immersion: The film is mastered in 4K and Dolby Atmos 3D sound, signaling a director who prioritizes a high-quality, immersive theatrical experience. The cinematography is praised for making the forest an "integral part of the story" and capturing the "small-town feel."
Authenticity Over Glamour: The film strives for a frank realism in depicting the horrifying slaughter of innocent civilians, offering a stark and poetic contrast to their prior peaceful lives. The intentional avoidance of modern sounds and use of period-appropriate samples and instruments contribute to a unique and refreshing backdrop.
Genre Nuance: While primarily a war drama, the director weaves elements of action and thriller into the narrative, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.
Themes: Echoes of Humanity
Human Cost of War: The film emphasizes the devastating impact of conflict on ordinary civilians and their daily lives, moving beyond typical battlefield narratives.
Grief and Loss: It explores the profound sorrow and loss experienced by individuals and communities when their world is torn apart by war.
Resilience and Survival: Despite unimaginable hardship, the characters demonstrate immense strength, courage, and a powerful will to survive and protect their loved ones.
Good vs. Evil: The clear delineation between the cruel German lieutenant Laurentz and the compassionate Leonard highlights a fundamental struggle against destructive forces.
Family and Community Bonds: The film showcases how familial ties and community solidarity are tested and ultimately strengthened in the face of extreme adversity.
Key Success Factors: Ingredients for Triumph
Powerful Lead Performance: Iain Glen's portrayal of Leonard Lambert is consistently highlighted as a major strength, bringing gravitas, sadness, and anger to the role of a grieving father turned reluctant hero.
Unique Perspective on WWI: By focusing on the civilian experience and avoiding traditional trench warfare tropes, the film offers a fresh and impactful take on a well-trodden historical period.
Strong Supporting Cast: Reviewers note that even the smaller roles are well-cast, contributing to an overall involving and believable narrative.
Emotional Depth: The film resonates with genuine emotion, effectively portraying themes of grief, loyalty, and the struggle for survival, which pulls at the heartstrings of the audience.
Compelling Antagonist: Joe Anderson's portrayal of the vicious Laurentz creates a formidable and truly detestable villain, enhancing the tension and stakes.
Awards and Nominations: Acknowledged Brilliance
While "The Last Front" is a 2024 release, its foundation is built upon Julien Hayet-Kerknawi's earlier short film, A Broken Man (2015), which received significant recognition.
A Broken Man was selected to screen at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.
It also won an award at the WorldFest film festival in Houston.
At present, specific major awards or nominations for "The Last Front (2024)" itself are not widely publicized, though its early festival premiere and positive reviews suggest potential future recognition.
Critics Reception: Voices from the Critics
"The Last Front" has received a generally positive critical reception, with a 69% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes (based on a limited number of reviews). Critics commend its intense drama and strong performances, particularly Iain Glen's.
Jennie Kermode (Eye for Film): Gives a 3/5, noting that Hayet-Kerknawi "has cast the small roles well and the film remains involving throughout." She appreciates the focus on the Belgian experience often neglected in war films.
Cath Clarke (The Guardian, Top Critic): Rates it 2/5, finding it "a bit familiar" and slightly hampered by the assortment of English accents used for Belgian and German characters.
Dennis Schwartz (Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews): Awards a B-, describing it as a "no-nonsense fictitious war film based on history."
Todd Jorgenson (Cinemalogue): States that while it "lacks broader context and thematic texture, this character-driven war drama resonates with genuine emotion."
Julian Roman (MovieWeb): Gives a 3/5, praising how the film "depicts the horrifying slaughter of innocent civilians with frank realism and a poetic contrast to their gentle, bucolic lives." He highlights Iain Glen's "gripping body language" and "screen gravitas."
Matt Zoller Seitz (RogerEbert.com, Top Critic): Provides a 2/4, noting it's "not a shades-of-grey kind of movie" and that characters are not highly dimensional beyond their plot function.
Dennis Harvey (Variety, Top Critic): Describes it as "A sturdy, engrossing drama conveyed in a somewhat retro mode."
Libby Jennings (NELondoner): Commends the film for being "more than just a war film," delivering a strong anti-war message focused on human cost. She praises Glen's powerful and poignant performance and the film's "haunting visuals and emotional depth."
Overall Critics Reception Summary: Critics generally praise "The Last Front" for its intense and engrossing drama, particularly its focus on the civilian experience of WWI, which offers a fresh perspective. Iain Glen's performance is a consistent highlight, elevating the material with his commanding presence and emotional depth. While some critics note a lack of subtlety or thematic complexity, most agree the film is well-told, emotionally resonant, and effectively conveys the brutality of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
Reviews: Unveiling Perspectives
Military Press: Describes "The Last Front" as an "intense film" that quickly expands from Leonard's family to the entire town's struggle for survival. It praises the "good" cinematography, making the forest "an integral part of the story," and highlights how the cast brings "a powerful story with a message of strength, courage and hope."
Eye for Film: Emphasizes the "dizzying contrast between day to day life and the chaos of war" as central to the film. It notes that while "thematically, there's nothing new here," the story is "well told and the locations are well used," providing specificity to the Belgian experience and that of rural people globally. It also applauds Iain Glen's powerful moments.
NELondoner: Considers the film "more than just a historical film; it's a powerful statement on resilience and the shared experiences of those who endure the consequences of war." This review highly recommends it for fans of war films or human-interest stories due to its complex themes and efficient runtime. It also praises the non-traditional music score for enhancing emotional depth.
MovieWeb: Specifically highlights the film's "frank realism" in depicting "the horrifying slaughter of innocent civilians" while contrasting it with their "gentle, bucolic lives." It underscores Iain Glen's ability to "elevate the script with gripping body language."
Overall Reviews Summary: Reviews underscore "The Last Front"'s success in delivering a harrowing yet emotionally powerful depiction of World War I from a civilian viewpoint. Many commend the film's visual storytelling, its ability to create an authentic sense of place, and its impactful portrayal of human resilience. The central performances, particularly Iain Glen's, are consistently lauded for their depth and conviction. While some acknowledge that the film might not break new thematic ground, its raw emotional impact and unique focus are widely appreciated.
Box Office: Limited Reach, Profound Impact
Box office data for "The Last Front" is quite limited, indicating a more niche release strategy focused on specific markets. The film has a worldwide box office gross of $4,349, with all of this revenue coming from international markets, specifically the United Kingdom, where it earned $4,349 from 22 screens with its opening on November 1, 2024. Data for Belgium or domestic (US) box office is not available or reported. Its theatrical performance suggests it's primarily an independent or art-house release.
Production Summary: Behind the Scenes
"The Last Front" is a Belgian epic period action drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes (98 minutes). It was written and directed by Julien Hayet-Kerknawi. The screenplay was a collaborative effort between Julien Hayet-Kerknawi and Kate Wood.
Production Companies:
The Last Front BV. (Belgium)
Sales Companies:
Odin's Eye Entertainment (Australia) is noted as the sales company handling the film.
Distribution Companies:
Kinepolis Film Distribution (Belgium)
Dutch Filmworks (Netherlands)
Enigma Releasing (United States)
Release Dates: Arriving on Screens
Theatrical Release: "The Last Front" had its world premiere at Kinepolis in Ghent, Belgium, on February 1, 2024. Its official theatrical release in the United Kingdom was on November 1, 2024. For the United States, its theatrical release was August 9, 2024.
Release Date on Streaming/Digital: The film became available on digital platforms for streaming or on demand starting June 27, 2025.
Why to Recommend Movie: A Cinematic Invitation
Fresh Perspective on WWI: It avoids the typical trench warfare narratives, focusing instead on the harrowing experiences of civilians and their fight for survival, offering a unique and poignant viewpoint.
Powerful Lead Performance: Iain Glen delivers a compelling and emotionally resonant portrayal of a farmer forced into heroism, making his character's journey deeply impactful.
Emotional Depth: The film tackles complex themes like grief, loyalty, and resilience with genuine emotion, drawing viewers into the characters' struggles and triumphs.
Anti-War Message: Beyond its historical setting, "The Last Front" serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict, resonating with contemporary global issues.
Strong Visual Storytelling: Praised for its cinematography and immersive atmosphere, the film effectively uses its visuals to enhance the narrative and emotional weight.
Why to Watch Movie: The Power of Presence
Witness Civilian Bravery: Experience a harrowing but inspiring story of ordinary people forced to become heroes in extraordinary circumstances.
Iain Glen's Performance: If you appreciate powerful acting, Iain Glen's portrayal of Leonard is a compelling reason to see this film.
Unique War Drama: It offers a distinctive take on the war genre, providing a human-centric narrative that differs from typical battlefield epics.
Visually Engaging: The film's praised cinematography and deliberate use of its setting contribute to a rich and immersive viewing experience.
Timely Relevance: In today's turbulent world, the film's exploration of conflict's unseen impact on ordinary lives feels incredibly pertinent.
Movie Trend: Following the Current
"The Last Front" aligns with the growing trend of Human-Centric War Dramas that move beyond traditional battlefield narratives. This trend prioritizes the emotional and psychological impact of conflict on individuals and communities, often focusing on civilians, resistance movements, or the long-term consequences of war rather than solely on military combat. It reflects a desire for more nuanced and introspective historical storytelling in cinema.
Social Trend: Mirroring Society
The film subtly reflects the Resilience in Adversity social trend, highlighting humanity's enduring capacity to find strength, protect loved ones, and maintain hope even amidst unimaginable destruction and chaos. In a world grappling with various global crises and conflicts, stories of ordinary individuals demonstrating extraordinary courage and solidarity resonate deeply, reinforcing a collective desire for perseverance and community spirit.
Final Verdict: The Final Take
"The Last Front" is a compelling and emotionally charged drama that offers a vital perspective on World War I. By focusing on the devastating impact of conflict on a Belgian farming community and the heroic efforts of one man, Leonard Lambert, to protect his family, the film delivers a powerful anti-war message. Bolstered by Iain Glen's superb performance and a unique approach to historical storytelling, it's a testament to human resilience and the enduring spirit of survival. While not without minor imperfections, it's an intense and thought-provoking watch that resonates far beyond its historical setting.
Recommendations for Filmmakers: Charting New Courses
Embrace Civilian Perspectives: Consider focusing on the non-combatant experience of conflict to offer fresh, impactful narratives that highlight the broader human cost of war.
Prioritize Character Depth: Even in action-oriented genres, invest heavily in developing complex, relatable characters whose internal struggles resonate with the audience.
Utilize Setting as Character: Leverage environmental details and landscapes to enhance the narrative and emotional weight, making them integral to the story rather than mere backdrops.
Dare to Be Subtle in Message: While conveying a strong message (e.g., anti-war), allow it to emerge organically through character journeys and immersive storytelling rather than heavy-handed exposition.
Recommendations for Movie Industry: Elevating the Art
Support Diverse War Narratives: Actively seek out and fund projects that explore war from less common perspectives, beyond conventional military combat, to enrich the genre.
Invest in International Co-productions: Encourage collaborations that allow for authentic storytelling from regions directly impacted by historical events, fostering global cinematic voices.
Champion Strong Acting Ensembles: Recognize that powerful performances can elevate even smaller-scale dramas, justifying investment in talented actors who can convey complex emotions.
Promote Thematic Relevance: Highlight how historical dramas can offer pertinent insights into contemporary social issues, drawing a wider audience beyond history buffs.
Final Conclusions: The Enduring Message
The Triumph of the Human Spirit Amidst Darkness
"The Last Front" stands as a remarkable example of how understated storytelling can achieve profound emotional impact. It is a film that eloquently celebrates the subtle yet revolutionary act of a woman claiming her own desires and redefining her identity. Its strength lies in its intimate portrayal of a universal yearning for self-discovery and the courage to embrace a second chance, marking it as a significant contribution to contemporary cinema that champions authentic human experiences.
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