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Asha Nathwani, a director from the UK with Iranian and Indian roots, is making his feature debut with an award-winning series of short films. The film will premiere at the Generation strand in Berlin and is a tender and sincere production, despite being slightly pretentious. However, it is rescued from becoming overly sentimental by its playful humor and a cleverly self-aware last shot of the lead actor’s expression.
The Last Swim follows the journey of Ziba, portrayed by Deba Hakmat, a teenage girl of Iranian-British descent who has recently aced her A-levels and secured a spot at University College London to study astrophysics. Despite facing some attitude from her interviewer, who displays subtle forms of condescending behavior and even asks if anyone in Ziba’s family has pursued this subject before, she remains determined. Ziba has made detailed plans with her friends from 6th form, including Tara (played by Lydia Fleming), Shea (played by Solly McLeod), and Merf (played by Jay Lycurgo), to celebrate on the day of their results.
The introduction implies that Ziba struggles with ADHD and substance abuse. However, the reality is more complex and her first day as an adult becomes more challenging. What complicates things even further is when Ziba discovers she will be spending the day with someone she doesn’t know: Malcolm (played by Denzel Baidoo), a student one year ahead of them who is now a part of a youth training program for a London football club. Despite everyone joking about his potential wealth, Malcolm seems to take it in stride. However, Ziba witnesses a humiliating moment for him and a shocking, intimate moment between him and his mother. The film highlights the close bond between Ziba and Malcolm, which seems to be more meaningful than her relationships with her long-time friends. Their connection grows deeper, possibly due to their shared understanding that the future is uncertain.
Nathwani is fueled by the lively energy of his young cast, as they explore London together – first in Shea’s outdated car, then on bikes, and finally by train. They make various stops, including Portobello where Ziba insists on getting sandwiches from the city’s supposedly best shop, and Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill. Just when the movie seems to be following typical coming-of-age cliches, an unexpected event shakes things up. It’s unclear what the audience is meant to take away from this twist, except for the realization that real life can be just as unplanned, chaotic, and painful. While Last Swim may have some moments of inexperience, overall it is honest and endearing, with Hakmat delivering a delicate and intelligent performance.
Source: theguardian.com
