The movie chronicles the happenings of just one day primarily. The plot examines the themes of love, marriage, commitment, infidelity, and emotional attachment.
Keira Knightley is Joanna Reed who is married to Michael Reed(Sam Worthington). They are a happy couple or are they? The movie begins with a seed of doubt in Joanna’s mind about Michael having an affair with his attractive coworker Laura(Eva Mendes). The tumult of such a doubt puts the viewers in trying to find out the truth. Is Michael really being infidel to Joanna? Is Joanna really and totally in love with Michael? The film unravels this mystery in its story.
‘Last Night’ also beautifully portrays the typical mindset of a man and a woman without being judgmental. The hint of suspense is also there since all watching the movie feel who will give in to temptation and emotions? Is it going to be Joanna who runs into her former flame Alex from Paris(Canet) or is it going to be Mike going on a business trip with Laura?
Keira Knightley is a balanced actress and time again she proves her mettle. The only problem is her anorexic frame which vexes me. Eva Mendes have some good dialogues and she plays the passionate voluptuous Laura well with good face emoting. Sam Worthington mostly has a no expression look which suits the reserved Michael which he plays. I really liked Canet, a French actor who plays Alex. His Alex is sweet and polished and worth falling for.
Some memorable scenes of this movie are when Joanna finds out the obvious attraction between Michael and Laura at a party. The parting scene of Alex and Joanna. The scene when Laura comes to know that Michael has left for home without informing her. The kiss between Knightley and Canet in the elevator.
The camera effectively takes face close ups since it’s a drama and dependant on emotions. The setting is mostly indoors. This movie will remind you of movies like ‘Closer’, ‘Unfaithful’, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’. ‘Last Night’ is not for mainstream audience. Watch it if you want to watch good cinema showing universal truths with good performances. The movie is short but enough to make you think if you have ever been in love, been in a relationship, or are married.