20th Apr2014

‘The Last Keepers’ Review

by Richard Axtell

Stars: Zosia Mamet, Sam Underwood, Aidan Quinn, Virginia Madsen, Olympia Dukakis, Nat Wolff, Joshua Bowman, Jee Young Han | Written by Peter Hutchings, Christina Mengert | Directed by Maggie Greenwald

Last-Keepers-DVD

Rhea Carver (Mamet) is different. She makes art and clothes from rubbish she picks up from the ground, her family are reclusive artists and this leads to trouble in school as she is ridiculed for her strange behaviour. When she falls in love with Oliver (Underwood) from her school she awakens a power within herself which stems from an ancient family secret. This leads her on a tale of wonder and magic as she tries to figure out who she is and what she can do with this new found power.

The Last Keepers is a tale of love and magic. It deals with the awkwardness of high school, bullying, young romance and family troubles, sometimes to an almost cheesy level but it can be forgiven with the overall tone of the film being a magical and light hearted.

Particular highlights of the film include the laid back, loving father, played by Aidan Quinn and Virginia Madsen, the overly protective mother who wants her child to be happy but at the same time is trying to shield her from what dangers the future could hold. This leads to some powerful scenes as she fights to keep her child safe, even when Rhea doesn’t want to be protected. The romance between Rhea and Oliver, although beginning quite strangely itself, does play out very well, leading to some very colourful and magical scenes as the two enjoy their time together and she discovers how to use her powers.

The Last Keepers is definitely a romance story wrapped in layers of magic and fantasy. If you are expecting a magic-fest with witches doing battle against monsters or such like, then look elsewhere. This story focuses on the Rhea finding out how to fit into school, how to cope with her boyfriend and how to be herself in a world which doesn’t really accept her. This world can seem a little unrealistic at times, the school bullies going from name-calling, laugh-behind-back types to full blown burn-the-witch, heartless mob types in a matter of minutes then swapping once again to friendly-banter types when Rhea puts on some more revealing clothing.

However, The Last Keepers does have its own charm. It may seem a little odd and cheesy at times, but if you don’t go into this film expecting a fantasy epic or a world changing experience, I think you will find it a very enjoyable story of teenage romance and magic.

The Last Keepers is released on DVD on April 21st, courtesy of Metrodome Distribution.

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