Fast & Furious and Star Trek Beyond director Justin Lin is set to captivate audiences with a unique cinematic experience following the release of his upcoming docudrama, Last Days, which is scheduled to hit theaters on October 24, brought to you by Vertical Entertainment.
Last Days is inspired by the compelling Outside magazine article titled “The Last Days of John Allen Chau,” written by Alex Perry. This gripping narrative centers around the life of John Allen Chau (portrayed by Sky Yang</b), a 26-year-old missionary who embarks on a perilous journey to the secluded North Sentinel Island. His mission is to convert an isolated tribe, while authorities strive to intervene to prevent potential disaster. Sister Midnight’s Radhika Apte leads the pursuit, stepping into the role of a detective from the Andaman Islands, determined to stop John’s mission before it disrupts the delicate balance of the island’s ecosystem.
Under the expert direction of Justin Lin, Last Days brings to life a screenplay crafted by Ben Ripley, known for his work on Flatliners. The film features a remarkable cast, including Naveen Andrews (Lost, The Dropout), Ken Leung (Old, Industry), Toby Wallace (Babyteeth, Eden), Marny Kennedy (The Saddle Club, Mortified), and Ciara Bravo (Cherry, Due West), all contributing to the film’s depth and complexity.
Having premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, Last Days has garnered attention, with our Editor-in-Chief, Chris Bumbray, providing a thoughtful review. He describes Last Days as “a nuanced portrayal of a man whose savior complex literally led to his horrible demise. It’s entertaining and slickly made, blending Lin’s two sensibilities beautifully. It possesses the stylistic flair of his studio films and the emotional depth characteristic of his early independent work.”
Chris further emphasizes Lin’s meticulous attention to detail regarding Chau’s mission, stating, “Lin’s film deeply empathizes with Chau, portraying him as driven and charismatic, even though his naivety proves to be fatal. The film has an epic scope, showcasing Chau’s explorations in the years leading up to his misguided mission, with Yang delivering an outstanding performance in a complex role.”
“In his much-anticipated return to independent cinema, Justin has expertly crafted a beautifully tragic narrative about one man’s quest to alter the world,” stated Peter Jarowey, a partner at Vertical, in a statement to Deadline. “Vertical is proud to release this remarkable film.”
Expressing his gratitude, Lin shared, “I feel incredibly fortunate to be on this journey with everyone who has contributed to bringing this film to life.” He added, “This story resonated deeply with me, and I am thrilled to share it with audiences around the globe.”
Mark your calendars, as Justin Lin’s Last Days is set to grace theaters on October 24, 2025.
