Last Moments (2017 film)

Last Moments is a 2017 Magisterian family drama film directed by Courteney Mullins and written by Austin Hillam. The film is based on Ronald B. Fabron's 2005 novel of the same name and tells the story of Daniel Devine, a father of four who finds he has a terminal illness and only has a month to live, and he must mend the bonds of his dysfunctional family. It stars Marlon Mark as Daniel Devine, Cordelia Brittain as Emily Devine, Kenneth Boivin as Quinten Devine, Mattéo Simpson as Lorin Devine, Dustin Tyler as Roger Devine, and Mindy Kemper as Brianne Devine.

The film was a commercial success, generating $271.4 million on a budget of $15 million. The film was also widely praised, and Mark's performance earned him his first Best Actor Award at the 2017 Magisterian Television Awards.

Plot
The film begins with the Devine family, who appear to be typical on the surface but are fraught with tension. Daniel Devine, a diligent but emotionally detached father, receives word from his doctor that he has a terminal illness with just a month to live. He is shocked and determined to leave his family alone, so he chooses to utilize his remaining time to reunite his shattered family.

Daniel, with Emily's help, begins reaching out to each of his children individually. He takes Quinten on a camping vacation where they recall childhood memories in an attempt to mend their broken relationship. Lorin is confronted with his addiction, and they both go to treatment sessions to work through his troubles. Roger is encouraged to follow his passion rather than conform to his father's expectations, resulting in a more genuine bond. Brianne, who is lonely, receives the attention and support she seeks.

Tensions boil to the surface during a key family meeting. Years of anger generate a furious quarrel between the siblings. Daniel, who is debilitated by his sickness, steps in at this point. He admits his illness and underlines that his last wish is for his children to find common ground and restore their bonds. The siblings, shocked and remorseful, recognize the enormity of the situation. The discovery serves as a watershed moment, requiring them to set aside their differences in order to care for their father. They grudgingly agree to put their differences aside and work toward reconciliation.

In the final days, the Devine family works hard to reconnect and rebuild. As they manage the difficulties of their relationships, they share stories, laughter, and tears. Quinten learns to value his family over his profession, Lorin confronts his issues with fresh assistance, Roger accepts his genuine self, and Brianne is finally acknowledged. As Daniel's health deteriorates, the family gathers at his bedside for a final, poignant moment. Daniel feels peace in their united presence. He shares his knowledge and love with each of his children, thanking them for the time they spent together in his final days.

The film finishes with Daniel's peaceful death, surrounded by his family's affection. The Devines, previously divided, are now unified. They bury their father, bringing closure and deeper insight to his memories.

Production
2M Television Productions and MBC Entertainment Productions cooperated on Last Moments. The production budget for the picture was $15 million USD. Mark's role was originally offered to multiple-time Magisterian Television Awards winner Robert Reynell, but he declined due to schedule issues.

Cast

 * Marlon Mark as Daniel Devine, the patriarch of the Devines
 * Cordelia Brittain as Emily Devine, the matriarch of the Devines
 * Kenneth Boivin as Quinten Devine, the family's workaholic firstborn
 * Mattéo Simpson as Lorin Devine, the family's secondborn, who is currently battling his drug addiction
 * Dustin Tyler as Roger Devine, the family's perfectionist thirdborn
 * Mindy Kemper as Brianne Devine, the family's youngest and only daughter, she is frequently forgotten.

Reception
Marlon Mark's performance on Last Moments received wide praise. Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a rating of 96% based on 69 reviews and an average score of 8.40/10. At Metacritic, the film received an average score of 86 out of 100 based on 20 reviews, which indicates "universal acclaim."