While Sasha Nathwani (Three Days in London) has already delved into short films and music videos, the Iranian filmmaker is now making his full-length directional debut at the esteemed Berlinale. With his buzzing generation coming-of-age drama Last Swim, he creates an energetic, empathic, and subtle look at the struggles anxious teenagers face after the much-anticipated and nerve-wracking “results day”.
While Last Swim is undoubtedly a coming-of-age film, it can set itself apart from similar movies because of the immense sincerity, the diversity of topics, and the richly explored characters, who are so much more than archetypes. The film doesn't focus on one central character, but instead, it shows us a close-nit, rambunctious and extremely down-to-earth group of friends on “results day”. While the results are mixed for some, the friends are determined to make this last day of term unforgettable. You have Merf, whose mischievousness and dynamic view of life come to life beautifully by Jay Lycurgo (The Batman). At the same time, Solly McLeod (The Dead Don't Hurt) takes on the role of Shea stunningly and with a lot of vulnerability. Lydia Fleming (Mary & George) delivers an energetic performance as the wild child Tara, who's always up for a party. Last but not least, Denzel Baidoo (Restless) is a star in the making as Malcolm, a footballer with broken dreams and an equally broken household.
While each actor in this young, vibrant cast certainly can hold their own, their performances and chemistry are heightened even more when they come together for the big hangout with their friend Ziba (Deba Hekmat). The most intelligent girl in the school, dreaming of studying astrophysicists, brings her friends together to witness a rare meteor shower. Throughout this thrilling day, we witness that the gathering means much more to Ziba than just watching a meteorological phenomenon. She has been battling a deadly health problem, which is about to derail all her dreams. This gloomy outlook on her future becomes too much for Ziba, but still, she doesn't open up to the people around her.
Our central Iranian-British heroine is battling her condition and different emotions simultaneously, and those struggles come through perfectly without being too overpowering and dramatic. Hekmat (Hoard), who shines as bright as the meteorites flying over, subtly but effectively delivers a stirring portrait of a young woman hiding her (mental) struggles from the outside world. Sometimes, even also from the viewers with her bittersweet banter, witty but still naturalistic dialogue and even mushroom-induced trips. Because of Ziba's quietness around her undisclosed illness and her struggles, you only get to know slowly but steadily more about her deep scars. This slow release of information ensures you want to keep watching this feature, even during the slower and dragging second half. Just like her friends, Ziba is a person worth following.
And who follows her the most is certainly cinematographer Olan Collardy (Rye Lane) with his intimate and authentic but also loud and energetic visuals. One moment, he gives us a bird's-eye view of the clique cycling and driving throughout the different multicultural neighbourhoods of London, while the next, he provides the necessary emotions and insights into Ziba's life with close-ups.
While the popularity of coming-of-age stories has increased during the last few years – because of the multiple, diverse backgrounds of the filmmakers – Last Swim is so much more than just a culturally specific story. There certainly are hints of Ziba's immigrant history and even broader societal issues, such as class differences and discrimination. However, this Crystal Bear winner transcend those topics and becomes a unique, emotionally packed, uncomplex portrayal of mental health, chronic illness, young love and uncertain futures.
Last Swim is out in cinemas in the UK & Ireland on 4th of April courtesy of Vertigo Releasing
Podcast
