The Last Manhunt. 2022
Directed by Christian Camargo.
Starring Jason Momoa, Martin Sensmeier, Mainei Kinimaka, Lily Gladstone, Zahn McClarnon, Tantoo Cardinal, Raoul Max Trujillo, Brandon Oakes, Amy Seimetz, Mojean Aria, Christian Camargo, Jamie Sives, Justin Campbell, Tim Delano, and Charlie Brumbly.
SYNOPSIS:
Based on true events in the early 1900s Wild West, Willie Boy falls in love with Carlota from the Chemehuevi tribe despite being forbidden to be together. Due to her father’s refusal to give his blessing to the pair and the conflict between the two families, a fatal incident forces the young couple to flee the only place they know as home. In this tragic tale of love, loss, and realization, Willie Boy and Carlota fight to persevere even with all odds against them.
Director Christian Camargo (using a screenplay from Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, which is conceptualized alongside Jason Momoa, who is technically a co-star but more of a glorified cameo presence in an attempt to drum up more interest in the film) seems to think that telling a true story is enough and that the character details, motivations, and engagement will sort itself out. While watching The Last Manhunt, at no point is one compelled to care what happens to these lovers on the run and what is regarded as the last great manhunt of the Wild West.
It is apparent that these filmmakers don’t have much confidence in their plot, referring to the lovers in every synopsis as having not received a blessing from the Chemehuevi tribe leader for them to be together. Notorious outlaw Willie Boy (Martin Sensmeier) and 16-year-old Carlotta (Mainei Kinimaka) happen to be fifth cousins, so it’s not necessarily surprising that no one approves, regardless of how much they resist and sneak off. Nevertheless, this is a film (and Game of Thrones is arguably more popular than ever), so of course, it is not impossible to get behind these characters in this relationship.
There’s just no intriguing or satisfying approach to illuminating who these characters are worldwide they are in love. Christian Camargo seems to be under the impression that showing two characters embracing (with admittedly believable passion) on-location and utilizing natural lighting with authentic music is all it takes to sell viewers on a story. And maybe in some cases it is, but Christian Camargo is also no Terrence Malick. So credit cinematographer J.P. Alvarez and the score from Justin Small and Ohad Benchetrit as the only noteworthy elements here.
It’s not long before a freak accident sets Willie Boy and Carlotta on the run, mostly just holding one another and appreciating nature whenever they are on screen. Meanwhile, local law enforcement and other tribe members seek different forms of justice, with Christian Camargo acting in the film as Sheriff Wilson, trying to play up a nuanced moral crisis and somewhat succeeding.
The filmmakers take a slow-burn approach to telling a story about revenge, fear-mongering, and consequences. One aspect involves local journalists spinning reality for their benefit (it is mentioned that William Taft will be coming into town, so it is of great importance for everyone to deal with this situation as swiftly as possible, although their urgency is never felt), eventually leading to a darkly satisfying payoff.
Before that, The Last Manhunt offers up many characters doing almost nothing. Even when danger strikes Willie Boy and Carlotta, it feels uneventful and dull. The proceedings eventually devolve into a shoot-out and bloodshed, which is moderately thrilling but more so for the setting and views. The film was clearly made with well-meaning intentions and impressionable authenticity, but there’s not a single element emotionally to latch onto. That’s a shame when a white journalist intentionally spreading false narratives is the only interesting part of a story about romantic cousins on the run from vengeful lawmen and Native American trackers.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★
Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. He is also the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, or email me at MetalGearSolid719@gmail.com
