Last Soirée (Kean, 2025)
A cinema filled with film enthusiasts, directors, writers, editors, even actors, and what would you expect happens when they hear about the passing of dear and beloved filmmaker David Lynch? Answer: They work together and create the most heartfelt tribute to the man and his works. From writer-director Noah Kean, comes this passionate project filled with references to Lynch’s work even with some sly jokes thrown in.
Taken almost directly from Lynch’s Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017) comes Mr B (Guy Barnsley), special agent sent to investigate the murder of a teenage girl. Brought to Brixton, where one would have thought the Ritzy Cinema only showed movies, Mr B is shown more than he would have ever expected.
As a viewer you can immediately tell how much interest each cast and crew has for David Lynch. Beginning with the superb script and leading to the directorial choices, character portrayals, editing choices, and camera angles, each reference to Lynch is ideal and calculated. It is clear that co-writers Kean and Monty McDade studied the films of Lynch as their process for creating their script that turned into Last Soirée.
When it comes to Lynchian cinema, many interesting and individual characters are there. However, the choice to create a plot that follows a character inspired by Kyle MacLachlan’s Agent Dale Cooper is one that succeeds in Last Soirée. Through Barnsley’s portrayal of this special agent, the references to Cooper can clearly be seen. An immense talent comes across in his manner and how he carries himself across the screen. Not only does Barnsley know his role inside and out, he was able to do all that with contacts that prevented him from seeing clearly (according to director Kean).
Last Soirée becomes more than just a short film following a special agent sent to investigate a murder. This is the least important aspect. The focus of the short is to take the audience on a journey through David Lynch’s career and works. Just when you think you know where Mr B is headed, Kean and McDade throw in the most insane interpretations of past Lynch works. Alvin Straight (Alex Slowther) rides past on his “lawnmower” and then to the Ritzy’s bar turned into the rave from Wild at Heart (1990). There is no shortage of references that appear just when they are needed in the story that is being shaped. They make you laugh at the right times and they also allow you to reflect on all the great films that have come from the mind of David Lynch.
Of course, Lynch was known for more than just his characters and stories. His films began to develop a certain sort of style and look to them. Leave it to the Ritzy crew to have studied this as well. Cinematographer and editor Alfred Wales knew what he was doing to bring the audience even deeper into this Lynchian world Kean and McDade created. By using POV shots, specific camera angles, and even the coolest perspective technique I have ever seen, Wales creates a visually pleasing piece.
To wrap it all off, there is a gorgeous Mulholland Drive (2001) reference that those who know the film well, will know is coming up in Last Soirée before it even appears. Being able to appreciate Lynch’s creations through a tribute created by fellow fans is something quite touching.
Last Soirée is truly an absolutely stunning tribute to one of the most influential filmmakers. Known as an enigma in the world of cinema since his career started, David Lynch created so many works prompting questions everywhere. A successful passion project results from Noah Kean and Monty McDade’s script. Both the devotion and study put into this can be felt while watching the final project. There is nothing more beautiful than the new generation of filmmakers and creatives working together to tribute a man as inspirational and magical as David Lynch. No matter which way you look at it, Last Soirée is a tribute made for the books.
Take the time now, or when you next can, and watch this brilliant tribute here: Last Soirée (Kean, 2025)
