The Last Days Of Us

by Beck Nicholas

[Kelly]

2.5 Stars.
Sixteen year old Zoey is embarking on a journey of reflection and discovery, attending a performance in Melbourne and accompanied by her best friend and former boyfriend. After her brother Daniel passed away, her relationships dissolved as Zoey medicated with a destructive concoction of alcohol and isolation. Although remorseful, Zoe is courageous to concede and apologise for her behaviour, she continued to endure the relationship of friend and former boyfriend Finn. Two important figures in her life seeking solace in one another, rather than support Zoey.

Accompanying them on the journey is Lucien and Jolie, siblings and cousins of Finn. A stoic young man and reluctant passenger, Lucien appears menacing while Jolie is a vivacious and effervescent fifteen year old. Zoey is attracted to Lucien. He's attentive and paternal but with no regards for her best friend, Zoey is determined to rekindle her relationship with Ryan.

I despised Ryan and his girlfriend. Zoey was intoxicated and allegedly discovered with a young man and consequently, this excused her friend and boyfriend from their behaviour. The narrative circumvents the discussion of consent and Zoey is criticised by her friend for her sexuality, implying she's promiscuous. I found the relationship between Zoey, Finn and his girlfriend noxious as Zoey endeavours to reestablish her relationship with Finn. It explores adolescent relationships and deception. Although Zoey is distressed, she attempts to manipulate Finn into a new relationship. Her friend is barely present, a character only existing to aggravate Zoey and create a point of melodrama within the narrative. She spends the entire journey either unsociable or being offensive.

Lucien is a compassionate young man and I enjoyed his gentle and familial relationship with Jolie who is spontaneous and charismatic, her enthusiasm and vitality is infectious. I'm disappointed the narration focalised Zoey when Jolie could have offered a pragmatic perspective. I applaud Zoey's character for reflecting on her behaviour but pursuing Finn was uncomfortable. Zoey's resentment of the relationship between Lucien and Jolie was exhausting as she continuously compared her relationship with Daniel.

The essence of The Last Days of Us is spontaneity, absolution and adversity. Unfortunately it's melodramatic, monotonous and not for me.