Watch The Last Family

The Last Family is a Polish biographical drama film based on the lives of the well-known Polish artist Zdzisław Beksiński, his wife Jolanta, and their son Tomasz. The film spans over a period of 28 years, starting from 1977 and ending in 2005. Zdzisław Beksiński is a renowned painter known for his surrealistic and dystopian art. The film takes a look at his personal life, showcasing his relationships with his wife and son. The relationship between Zdzisław and Jolanta is particularly complicated, with Jolanta being a controlling and manipulative character. Despite the tension in their relationship, the couple remains together and tries to keep their family intact.

Tomasz Beksiński, their only child, is presented as a grown man who is still living with his parents. He is an aspiring music journalist, but his dreams are constantly thwarted by his parents' expectations. Tomasz is a quiet and introverted character, making his confrontation with his parents difficult. His struggle with his sexuality is also portrayed in the film.

The movie explores the Beksiński family's life through a series of events that affect them. These events range from mundane things like the installation of a telephone, to the tragic death of a family friend. The film portrays the family's reaction to these events, showing their eccentricities and their ways of coping with them.

The film is a mix of different genres, with elements of drama, black comedy, and horror. The surrealistic and dystopian art of Zdzisław Beksiński is also referenced throughout the film, giving it a visually stunning quality.

The film's strength lies in its portrayal of the characters. The actors give strong performances, bringing the Beksiński family to life. Andrzej Seweryn gives a commanding performance as Zdzisław, portraying the artist's eccentricities and complexities with intensity. Dawid Ogrodnik is also excellent as the introverted and conflicted Tomasz. Aleksandra Konieczna plays Jolanta with conviction, showing her controlling nature and obsessive behaviour.

The Last Family has been praised for its authenticity in portraying the Beksiński family. The film is based on real events and the director, Jan P. Matuszyński, worked closely with the surviving family and friends of the Beksiński family. The film's attention to detail and accuracy in portraying the family's life is commendable.

Overall, The Last Family is a moving and thought-provoking film. It takes a look at the complexities of family life, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of the Beksiński family. The film's mix of different genres, stunning visuals, and strong performances make it a must-watch for anyone interested in Polish cinema or biographical dramas.