'THE LAST SEVEN' film premiere

The_last_seven_film
Last week we had the pleasure to attend the 1st UK film screening of an independent project brought to cinema + DVD release by the Metrodome Group and Press on Features (and in association with a number of other independent groups). We recognize our own love for Global Cinema and the all-round importance of supporting locally produced and homegrown projects such as this and it was this that motivated our presence. The UK film making industry is fairly small and although there are some real prominent names emerging on the global platform, the struggles and the difficulties are rife and more so now than ever before which we think is a fair point to highlight. What excites us with projects such as this is the fact that a fairly small collective network of like-minded individuals and groups all work together and put their hearts, souls, (money) and sweat into the project and create an end product worthy of showcase and support. The guys involved in this project in particular consist of well-known names such as Tamer Hassan and Danny Dyer, as well as lesser known yet highly talented names from the UK acting, Directing and creative fields. In our opinion all ones to watch out for as they move forward- and once again, proud to say all UK born and bred talents!

'The Last Seven' as the title clearly suggests is about an eclectic group of seven individuals left behind following what appears to be some kind of apocalyptic incident in the UK (we assume on the planet). Together they must try and piece together personal flickering memories of the past and work as a team towards survival. In the backdrop, an evil presence seems intent to follow the events unfolding with it's own agenda, whilst the characters on screen get to grips with their predicament, and each other. 

Firstly it is always a pleasure to get to watch a film with both the cast and crew sitting amongst you in order to question individuals both before and after the screening. Many of the cast were watching the full, final product for the first time themselves and it was apparent that sincere passion and hard work had been invested with all of their contributions. The acting by all was great, the story itself was also positive with strong references of ineffectual politics and religious faith and ideology. There appeared to be a message within the film which the screenplay writer John Stanley stated covers the theme of faith and how far strong faith can effect the actions of individuals and groups. He was also keen to outline the dynamics amongst a group of very different characters all put together through circumstances outside of their control, all which he was happy to see transferred on screen very well by the team. By coincidence, only this week we also watched a very good documentary called 'The God Delusion' with Professor Richard Dawkins which kind of touches on similar subject matter and references as within the film. (consider that a recommendation for the doc too!) 

The story moves fairly slow and the response of some of the characters in the predicament was not as clearly conveyed as could have been in our opinion. The feeling of suspense and fear which the plot attempted to instill amongst the audience could have been enhanced, but then we rightly appreciate all the complex creative processes involved, and maybe ignoring the business elements were fairly satisfied with the final product. We spoke to members of the audience who also watched the film this evening and many expressed similar sentiments but enjoyed the film overall. One member highlighted that this was a great showcase by Simon Phillips, both as an actor in the film and also involved in the Production, and a good work-in-progress platform to promote his own and the talent of his close network of associates. 

It was a pleasure to also get a chance to engage in conversation with highly esteemed actor Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire, Little Britain fame) whose talented daughter Daisy features as part of the last seven cast on screen. We warmed towards his pride as a parent watching his daughter showcasing the same craft he has achieved considerable success with. 

The mainstream critics have slated the film slightly which we think is unfair, but then that's the business of creativity and Cinema and goes hand in hand with the job. We expect great things from this camp in the near future, so do watch this space. We give the film a rating of 5/10- taking all aspects into consideration. 

The film is released across selected London cinemas and available on DVD via most outlets. 

Check http://www.thelastseven.co.uk for more and check out some of our brief video interaction from the evening below:

(footage courtesy of HKZ Productions)