The Last Word (2017)
Film · Comedy, Drama
Stream itif you enjoy watching Shirley MacLaine play a sharp-tongued curmudgeon in a gentle, character-driven comedy.
A predictable but pleasant character-driven story about legacy and late-life self-discovery. It is a safe and comforting watch for fans of Shirley MacLaine and stories about intergenerational friendship.
What it is about
A retired businesswoman – who tries to control everything around her – decides to write her own obituary. A young journalist takes up the task of finding out the truth, and the result is a life-altering friendship.
Trailer
What The Last Word is like, and who it is for
What it is like to watch
Watching this film feels like a brisk autumn walk; it is crisp, sentimental, and moves at a steady, unhurried pace. The tone is dominated by the friction between a rigid, demanding retiree and a younger woman trying to find her professional voice. While the dialogue is often pointed and witty, the film stays firmly within the bounds of a comforting, conventional drama, prioritising emotional beats over narrative surprises or high-stakes tension.
Who it is for, and who should skip it
This is perfect for viewers who appreciate stories about intergenerational mentorship and the legacy we leave behind. It serves as a showcase for Shirley MacLaine’s formidable presence, making it a must-watch for her long-term fans. However, those who dislike formulaic 'odd couple' tropes or find life-lesson montages a bit cloying should probably look elsewhere. The central caveat is that the plot follows a very familiar trajectory without deviating from established genre beats.
The right evening for it
It suits a quiet Sunday evening when you want something undemanding yet heartfelt. It is an ideal choice for a relaxed night in with a glass of wine and no desire for anything heavy.
Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.
How The Last Word leaves you
One line on the mood it ends on, with no plot. Some people count that as a spoiler, so it stays hidden until you ask.
You will likely feel warm and mildly reflective, left with the cozy impression that it is never too late to reinvent your reputation or make a new connection.
Stills
Images from TMDB.
If you like this, try
Philomena (2013)
the sharp-witted interplay between an elderly woman and a younger professional
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
a slow-thawing relationship between a stubborn retiree and their companion
The Intern (2015)
the pleasant, light-hearted exploration of intergenerational wisdom and professional growth
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The Last Word soundtrack
Music by Nathan Matthew David
Questions people ask
- Is The Last Word a feel-good film?
- Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Feel-Good. A predictable but pleasant character-driven story about legacy and late-life self-discovery. It is a safe and comforting watch for fans of Shirley MacLaine and stories about intergenerational friendship.
- How long is The Last Word?
- The Last Word runs 108 min and was released in 2017.
- Where can I watch The Last Word in Australia?
- In Australia it is not included with any subscription service at the moment. JustWatch lists rental and purchase options.
- Who composed the music for The Last Word?
- The music for The Last Word is by Nathan Matthew David.
- Is The Last Word worth watching?
- Stream it: if you enjoy watching Shirley MacLaine play a sharp-tongued curmudgeon in a gentle, character-driven comedy. IMDb users rate it 6.6 out of 10 from 9,280 votes, Rotten Tomatoes gives it 40%, Metacritic 40 and TMDB users 6.6.
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