“The Last Victim” (2021) Starring Ali Larter, Ron Perlman & Ralph Ineson / Z-View

The Last Victim (2021)

Director:  Naveen A. Chathapuram

Screenplay:  Ashley James Louis from a story by Doc Justin, Naveen A Chathapuram

Stars: Ron Perlman, Ali Larter, Tahmoh Penikett, Ralph Ineson, Kyle Schmid, Dakota Daulby and Camille Legg

Tagline: None

The Overview:  Beware of spoilers…

Jake (Ineson) taunts then kills a former member of his crew and a woman witness.  He loads the bodies in his truck.  Jake then hooks up with his two other crime partners to transport the bodies to a remote wilderness area.

Susan (Larter) and her husband are driving across country when they run into a closed road.  Rather than double back, they press on.  The pair decide to take a break in a beautiful area well off the beaten path.  Unfortunately they come across Jake and his crew burying bodies.  When Susan and her husband realize they’ve been seen, they take off running with the criminals in hot pursuit.

Meanwhile Sheriff Hickey (Perlman) is investigating the murder scene.  He’s puzzled by the lack of bodies, but does have a clue which was accidentally left behind.  As Jake and his crew continue their hunt, Sheriff Hickey continues his…

The Last Victim has one of the best opening scenes in recent memory.  It’s well written, well cast and well shot.  If the entire movie was made at that level The Last Victim would have rated an “A”.  The Last Victim’s opening scene sets the bar high and sadly the rest of the film doesn’t maintain that level.  Still, if you like crime films, then you should enjoy The Last Victim.  Ali Larter is believable as the woman who refuses to be a victim.  Ralph Ineson steals every scene he’s in.  He’s creepy, cocky and a great villain.  Ron Perlman is always good, even when he doesn’t get a lot to do.

The Last Victim earns 3 of 5 stars.