Every so often, a real-life tragedy becomes a story on the big screen. This is the case for Last Days, directed by Justin Lin, best known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise. The film dives into the life of John Allen Chau, an American missionary who met a tragic fate during his visit to North Sentinel Island in late 2018. Chau’s story raised many questions about faith and the risks of missionary work.
In Last Days, we see Sky Yang portray John Chau over four years. We start with a young, thin high school student facing uncertainty about his future. From the beginning, it’s clear he feels a strong call to spread Christianity. However, his father, played by Ken Leung, wants him to pursue a more traditional path in medicine. This divergence sets up the film, even though we ultimately know where Chau’s choices lead.
Lin’s storytelling aims to explore what drove Chau to this dangerous mission. However, it leaves viewers perplexed. The film struggles to clarify whether it wants us to sympathize with Chau or critique the perils of such missionary endeavors. Conversations about his beliefs sometimes feel superficial, lacking the depth needed to convey a clearer message.
The character development feels disjointed, making it hard for viewers to connect with Chau. For instance, he goes to med school only to leave it behind to become a missionary. This abrupt transition makes his passion seem sudden and poorly developed, leaving audiences frustrated and unsatisfied.
As the story progresses, the film does seem to take an interesting turn. We watch Chau train at a missionary camp, which gives the film a slight adventure feel. Yet, the tone often clashes with the serious ending we all know is coming, giving the impression of glamorizing a dangerous journey.
Despite its conflicts, the film raises thought-provoking questions about Chau’s intentions. Did he truly want to save souls, or was it a quest to find meaning in his own life? The film suggests he was lost, navigating his faith and purpose. However, this interpretation feels incomplete since Chau cannot share his side of the story. The diary entries he left behind hint at a young man with a strong faith, and the film could have benefited from focusing more on these insights.
On a positive note, the cinematography by Oliver Bokelberg adds beauty to the film, capturing serene landscapes before the tragic events unfold. Nathan Alexander’s music, while technically impressive, often creates an eerie contrast with the scenes, making viewers feel a sense of dread rather than inspiration.
Ultimately, Last Days falls short in helping us understand John Allen Chau. The film’s structure and execution miss the mark, preventing it from connecting deeply with viewers. While it certainly addresses a tragic end to a life filled with potential, the lack of clarity in Chau’s motivations leaves us feeling disconnected from his journey.
Last Days premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
