'Last Days' Review: Justin Lin Explores John Allen Chau's Controversial Journey to North Sentinel

Director Justin Lin, known for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, takes on the polarizing true story of missionary John Allen Chau in "Last Days." But does this dramatic return to indie filmmaking hit the mark for audiences and critics alike?

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on 'Last Days'

• "Last Days" is a dramatic feature film from Justin Lin about John Allen Chau, the American missionary who tragically died in 2018 attempting to convert the isolated Sentinelese people on North Sentinel Island.
• The movie stars Sky Yang as John Allen Chau and Radhika Apte as Meera Ganali, an Indian police inspector investigating his disappearance.
• Critical reception for "Last Days" has been mixed to negative, with many reviews calling it "scattered" and "confused" for not taking a clear stance on Chau's controversial mission, earning it a 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

You know Justin Lin, right? The guy who brought us some of the most thrilling "Fast & Furious" movies like Fast Five and Tokyo Drift? Well, he's just dropped something completely different on us: "Last Days." This new drama takes on the incredibly complex and tragic true story of John Allen Chau, a young American missionary who met a fatal end in 2018 while trying to reach one of the world's most isolated tribes. It's a heavy topic, and Lin's approach has definitely got people talking.

The tale of John Allen Chau captivated headlines and sparked intense debate. Was he a martyr for his faith or a reckless adventurer whose actions endangered an uncontacted people? Lin's film attempts to walk a fine line, aiming to explore Chau's humanity without casting judgment. But as we'll see, that neutrality has proven to be a double-edged sword for many critics.

Unpacking the Real-Life Tragedy of John Allen Chau’s Fatal Expedition

Let's rewind a bit to understand the gravity of the story "Last Days" is trying to tell. John Allen Chau was a 26-year-old Christian missionary from Washington state. In November 2018, after years of preparing and traveling the world for his faith, he embarked on a perilous journey to North Sentinel Island in the Bay of Bengal, part of India's Andaman Islands. His goal? To convert the indigenous Sentinelese people, one of the last uncontacted tribes in the world.

This mission was incredibly risky, and frankly, illegal. The Indian government has a strict no-contact policy to protect the Sentinelese, both for their own safety (from outside diseases they have no immunity to) and to respect their chosen isolation. Tragically, Chau was killed by the tribe upon his arrival, and his body has never been recovered. The event sparked global conversations about cultural preservation, religious freedom, and the ethics of contact.

Meet the Talented Cast and Creative Minds Behind 'Last Days'

Bringing such a sensitive story to the screen required a dedicated team. Stepping into the shoes of John Allen Chau is Sky Yang, an actor Lin discovered after seeing him at the 2022 BFI London Film Festival. Reviews note Yang's commitment to the physicality of the role, even if some felt the script didn't give him enough depth to work with beyond "wide-eyed earnestness."

The film also introduces Radhika Apte as Meera Ganali, an ambitious young Indian police inspector tasked with investigating Chau's disappearance. Her character is an invention for the film, co-written by Lin and screenwriter Ben Ripley (known for "Source Code"). Apte's performance has been highlighted as a compelling and sympathetic presence, often feeling like she's in a "totally separate film" due to the narrative structure. Meera clashes with her condescending, sexist supervisor, played by Naveen Andrews, who is dismissive of her efforts.

We also see Ken Leung in a "solid" performance as Chau's disapproving father, Patrick, who wished his son had followed in his footsteps as a doctor. This fraught father-son relationship forms a significant emotional thread in the narrative. Ben Ripley's script draws inspiration from Alex Perry's Outside magazine article, "The Last Days of John Allen Chau."

Justin Lin’s Unique Directorial Vision for This Complex Story

Why would a blockbuster director like Justin Lin, celebrated for high-octane action, pivot to such a quiet, introspective indie drama? Lin himself explained his motivation: he wanted to find Chau's humanity without judgment. "My reason for wanting to make this film is to see if I can connect with his humanity," Lin shared. "He is going to have a very different worldview than me but also in that journey, he's going to meet a lot of people with very different perspectives."

"My reason for wanting to make this film is to see if I can connect with his humanity. He is going to have a very different worldview than me but also in that journey, he's going to meet a lot of people with very different perspectives."

— Justin Lin, Director of 'Last Days'

He designed "Last Days" to reflect Chau's own online journals, which were influenced by adventure novels and Hollywood films, aiming for a "big" feel that utilized his experience with grander productions. Actor Sky Yang echoed this sentiment, appreciating the opportunity to humanize Chau. Lin hoped the film would provoke a reaction and foster dialogue, not necessarily change minds, but encourage seeing Chau as a human being.

Navigating the Non-Linear Narrative of 'Last Days'

The film doesn't tell Chau's story in a straightforward manner. Instead, the script jumps back and forth in time, weaving between Chau's evolution as a Christian missionary and the police investigation into his whereabouts. This non-linear approach is meant to build a more complete picture, showing his "radicalization" through training montages and encounters with zealous contemporaries who seek out the "most forbidden places on the planet" to spread their faith.

However, this narrative choice has been a point of contention for many critics. Some found the constant time shifts "haphazard" and "disjointed," making it hard to follow the plot or track Chau's emotional journey. The film explores Chau's fraught relationship with his father, Patrick (Ken Leung), who wanted his son to be a doctor. These memories are interspersed, showing the growing "divide" that Patrick couldn't prevent.

The parallel storyline featuring Inspector Meera Ganali (Radhika Apte) adds another layer, with her character advocating for the Sentinelese people's right to isolation. Apte describes her character's struggle for her own freedom, mirroring her fight for the Sentinelese's. While compelling, some reviewers felt this subplot felt like a "totally separate film" and further diluted the core story of Chau, ultimately leading to a lack of focus for the overall movie.

Critical Reactions to Justin Lin’s Return to Indie Filmmaking

When it comes to how "Last Days" landed with critics, the general consensus is a mixed bag, leaning towards disappointment. The movie currently holds a rather low 27% critics' approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 22 reviews. This makes it one of Justin Lin's lowest-rated films, just above his executive producing credit for Space Jam: A New Legacy and his directorial effort Annapolis.

Many critics lamented the film's "scattered" and "superficial" depiction of such a profound and sad tale. Common complaints include a lack of "urgent narrative thrust," a "confused and unfocused" script, and a general unwillingness to take a clear stance on the controversial subject matter. Some felt the film "lacks direction" and suffers from "nonsensical plot progression," jumping around without providing enough context or message. One review bluntly stated, "If nothing was ultimately going to be said through this movie and there was absolutely no takeaway message for the audience... 'Last Days' should not have been made in the first place."

Despite this, a few reviews did offer praise. One notable mention was of Lin's directing and Sky Yang's "insightful" performance, noting the film "manages to be thoroughly disquieting without overtly judging its subject." However, even this observation highlighted the very neutrality that others found frustrating. The opening scene, depicting Chau's first hostile encounter with the tribe, was frequently cited as the most "action-packed and suspenseful" part of the film, leveraging Lin's action background.

Understanding the Broader Context and Why 'Last Days' Might Struggle

Beyond critical reception, "Last Days" faces an uphill battle at the box office. Releasing on October 24, 2025, it's up against major contenders like Black Phone 2, Tron: Ares, and Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, all vying for audience attention. Its polarizing subject matter and critical divisiveness could make it difficult to find its footing, especially for a film that attempts to be neutral on such a hot-button issue. It doesn't emphasize Christianity enough for faith-based audiences, yet its exploration of Chau's motivation might feel underdeveloped for secular viewers, leaving it in a challenging middle ground.

The film's ambitious scope – being shot in 38 days across five countries, including the United States and Thailand for its Asia scenes – is impressive, showcasing Lin's dedication to his indie roots. Maine theater veteran Wendy Poole even served as an executive producer, helping to fund what she calls "passion projects." Lin spent a full year developing the script with Ben Ripley, a luxury often not afforded in blockbuster productions, highlighting his commitment to this narrative.

So, Is 'Last Days' a Must-Watch or a Skip for Your Next Movie Night?

If you're looking for a definitive take on John Allen Chau's story or a deep exploration of faith and fanaticism, "Last Days" might leave you wanting more. Many critics felt it struggled to provide profound insight into Chau's motivations or the complex ethical questions surrounding his mission. It seems the movie tried to cover too many bases without truly committing to a perspective, which ultimately made its message unclear.

However, if you're curious to see Justin Lin's dramatic shift from action blockbusters and appreciate a film that attempts to present a controversial figure without overt judgment, it might still pique your interest. The performances, particularly from Radhika Apte, are noted as strong points. For a more "informative recount of the real-life events," many critics recommend watching "The Mission," a 2023 documentary that covers the same subject matter.

"Last Days" is a film with a fascinating premise and a director known for thrilling narratives, but its attempt at neutrality on a deeply polarizing true story has resulted in a challenging viewing experience for many.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'Last Days' When did 'Last Days' officially release in theaters? 'Last Days' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025 and had its wide theatrical release on October 24, 2025. What is the movie 'Last Days' actually about? The film "Last Days" dramatizes the true story of John Allen Chau, a 26-year-old American Christian missionary who traveled to the remote North Sentinel Island in 2018 to convert the indigenous Sentinelese people and was subsequently killed by them. It explores the events leading up to his death and the investigation that followed. What is the runtime and rating for 'Last Days'? 'Last Days' runs for 120 minutes and is rated PG-13. Is there another film about John Allen Chau that I can watch? Yes! If you're looking for a more documentary-style take on the story, "The Mission" is a critically acclaimed 2023 documentary from National Geographic that covers John Allen Chau's fateful missionary trip. Sources:

• RogerEbert.com - Last Days (2025) Review by Christy Lemire
• Press Herald - Maine theater veteran helped new film 'Last Days' get made
• ScreenRant - Last Days Movie Review: Justin Lin’s Missionary Biopic Falls Flat
• UPI - 'Last Days' challenged Justin Lin to find humanity of late missionary
• Movieguide - Fast & Furious Director Is Bringing This Missionary’s Story To The Big Screen
• Geek Vibes Nation - ‘Last Days’ (2025) Review – A Controversial Story Without The Guts To Take A Stand
• CBR - Last Days Review: A Controversial True Story With No Message
• Punch Drunk Critics - Review: ‘Last Days’ John Allen Chau Remains A Mystery After Justin Lin’s Shallow...