The Last Treasure Hunt
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Thoughtful indie brother-sister drama has lots of profanity.
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The Last Treasure Hunt
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What's the Story?
Their father's unexpected death brings Lucy Sinclair (Kate Murdoch) and her brother Oliver (Casey Nelson) back to their scenic island home in THE LAST TREASURE HUNT. Oliver leaves his pregnant girlfriend and his failing bookstore behind; Lucy, a five-year college undergraduate, carries with her a determination not to grow up. Estranged and hanging onto anger and mistrust, the two are distressed when they learn that in order to settle their father's estate, which includes their childhood home, they must follow clues for one final treasure hunt -- a yearly event that their eccentric single father created for them when they were kids. Their efforts to solve Robert Sinclair's last challenge, alongside encounters with intriguing island residents, keep Lucy and Oliver in a volatile, emotional space. There are neither easy resolutions for this relationship nor for the nearly impenetrable puzzle their dad has left for them.
Is It Any Good?
Solid lead performances, insightful "off-the-nose" writing and direction, and an original story with heft make this low-budget indie movie well worth the time. Casey Nelson and Kate Murdoch, the two leads, wrote the script, too -- and it shows. They inhabit the two characters, giving them unusual depth. What's more, they simply aren't afraid to be flawed or unlikable at moments. The supporting actors do fine work, as well. The Last Treasure Hunt is an engaging story, postmodern in both structure and style. Occasionally the music is unnecessarily "on the nose," even intrusive, but it's a small quibble, unlikely to mar the many good moments on-screen. Recommended for teens and young adults who like and admire in-depth character studies and are OK with not having their movies wrapped up in a bright and shiny bow.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the profanity in The Last Treasure Hunt. In what ways did the use of language help characterize both Lucy and Oliver, as well as their relationship? Do you think the frequent swearing made the film feel real?
How did you feel about the ending of this movie? Was there enough resolution to satisfy you? Why, or why not? What do you think the filmmakers wanted you to take away from this experience?
Often places or settings become specific "characters" in a film. How did the island and the Sinclair family home affect this story? Could it have taken place anywhere else? Why, or why not?
How do the characters in The Last Treasure Hunt demonstrate communication and compassion? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 21, 2016
- Cast: Casey Nelson, Kate Murdoch
- Director: Patrick Biesemans
- Studio: Random Media
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- Character Strengths: Communication, Compassion
- Run time: 99 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: November 3, 2022
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