When it comes to infidelity, which is worse – fleeting, indulged lust or a lasting, unconsummated love? It’s merely one of the uncomfortable questions asked by Michael (Sam Worthington) and Joanna (Keira Knightley), a couple struggling to remain faithful in the face of grievous temptation.
Given its theme and pretty central foursome, Massy Tedjedin’s directorial debut could easily be compared to Mike Nichols’ Closer. But Tadjedin’s drama is (pardon the pun) a much subtler affair. A wordy, very European conversation about love and fidelity, it unfolds not in screams, sobs or showdowns, but in the lingering looks and heavy silences that mask layers of insecurity, desire and betrayal.
The effectiveness of this approach is dependent on the actors, and Last Night belongs to the women. Knightley’s girlish aloofness allows Joanna to become a believable, insecure wife, still clinging to her student dreams of living out a passionate romance in Paris with ex-boyfriend Alex (Canet).
Mendes is also impressive as the underwritten Laura, Michael’s stunning co-worker. Underneath the predatory sexuality of the character is an air of sadness about a woman who needs to seduce a married man to feel validated, if only for a night.
Unfortunately, the men fare less well. Worthington remains wooden throughout, while Canet, though charming, is required to be nothing other than, ‘ow you zay, le séducteur Français. Like the stunning, unrealistically chic sets, they add an empty superficiality to Last Night, that sometimes feels like an exercise in indulgence, focussed on the petty problems of pretty people.
Last Night isn’t for everyone. Like a troubled relationship, it’s filled with infuriatingly irrational arguments and sulky silences, and its emotional impact may well be dependent on the viewer’s own experiences. If you’ve ever cheated, been cheated on or cheated with, the nuances of Last Night’s small moments will resonate, packing a slow-burning emotional wallop. If not, you may be in unrelatable and slightly dull territory. Lucky you.