The Last One for the Road Film Review

Francesco Sossai's new film, "The Last One for the Road," presents a lenient and cynically amused perspective on drunkenness, sadness, and the tragicomic optimism of aging drinkers. The film avoids clinical definitions of alcoholism, instead focusing on characters who continuously seek happiness or wisdom through drinking. It opens and closes with a recurring gag involving inaudible life advice given during farewells.

The movie functions as a road movie, a buddy movie, and a somewhat baffling shaggy-dog tale. It also incorporates elements of a coming-of-age story that embraces infantilism. Described as intensely depressing yet simultaneously funny, the film centers on Doriano (Pierpaolo Capovilla) and Carlobianchi (Sergio Romano), two middle-aged individuals who are perpetually amiable and drunk. They live hand-to-mouth, seemingly involved in petty crime, and reside in a luxurious car purchased with proceeds from a past scam.

This scam, orchestrated by their friend Genio (Andrea Pennacchi), involved Genio stealing designer glasses and sunglasses from his factory employer. Doriano and Carlobianchi then sold these stolen items at significantly reduced prices. The narrative follows their journey, highlighting their unconventional lifestyle and their pursuit of elusive happiness or enlightenment through their constant consumption of alcohol.