Directed by Romain Quirot
Written by Romain Quirot, Antoine Jaunin (collaboration), Laurent Turner (collaboration)
Starring Hugo Becker, Jean Reno, Paul Hamy
Paul W.R.’s Last Journey leans more towards fantasy than science fiction in its execution, despite the strong science fiction tropes in play, but its slick design and stylish presentation certainly make it a different piece of cinema, even if the narrative might not quite support it.
Paul W.R. (Hugo Becker) might be the last hope that Earth has. Already ravaged by climate change, the world is facing a global apocalypse as the newly discovered red moon draws ever closer. Only Paul seems capable of passing the simulation to fly through the moon’s strong magnetic field, but on the day of his mission, he disappears. Instead he pursues a dream quest to try and save humanity, guided by visions of the past, and a haunting voice he believes is from the red moon itself.
Paul W.R.’s Last Journey might cloak itself in the trappings of a post apocalyptic cyberpunk, but its dream-like quality and woolly mysticism shift it more towards magical realism. It’s meant to be seen as more of a fable or a fairy tale, driven by the same sense of logic and narrative. As such it deals in archetypal concepts (brother against brother, parental expectations, mystical healing power of the universe) rather than solid narrative reasoning. With its stylised delivery and slick graphics, it makes good use out of its short runtime. There might not be enough narrative meat on those bones, but the story works on an emotional level, feeling like a lost direct to video New Wave science fiction piece from the 80s.
For some, myself included, that might make it a flawed piece of cinema, but there’s certainly something different about it. A somewhat intriguing piece, but not for everyone.
Paul W.R’s Last Journey is screening as part of the 33rd Alliance Française French Film Festival at Palace Raine Square , Luna, Luna on SX, and Windsor (9th March to 6th April). Check the website for screening times and details.
