About The Last Word
The Last Word (2017) is a heartfelt comedy-drama starring Shirley MacLaine as Harriet, a retired, fiercely controlling businesswoman who decides to take charge of her final narrative by commissioning her own obituary. Amanda Seyfried plays Anne, the reluctant young journalist assigned to the task, who quickly discovers the gap between Harriet's curated self-image and how others perceive her. As Anne digs deeper, the two form an improbable bond that challenges Harriet's rigid worldview and pushes Anne out of her comfort zone.
Directed by Mark Pellington, the film shines through its central performances. MacLaine delivers a wonderfully prickly yet vulnerable turn, perfectly balanced by Seyfried's grounded earnestness. Their evolving chemistry forms the emotional core of the story, transforming what begins as a professional assignment into a journey of mutual growth and redemption. The narrative explores themes of legacy, regret, and the possibility of change, even late in life.
While the plot follows familiar beats of the intergenerational friendship genre, the execution feels genuine and often moving. The film's strength lies in its character-driven moments and its refusal to offer easy solutions. For viewers seeking an uplifting story with humor and heart, The Last Word is a rewarding watch. It's a testament to the idea that it's never too late to rewrite your story and that human connection can arrive in the most unexpected ways.
Directed by Mark Pellington, the film shines through its central performances. MacLaine delivers a wonderfully prickly yet vulnerable turn, perfectly balanced by Seyfried's grounded earnestness. Their evolving chemistry forms the emotional core of the story, transforming what begins as a professional assignment into a journey of mutual growth and redemption. The narrative explores themes of legacy, regret, and the possibility of change, even late in life.
While the plot follows familiar beats of the intergenerational friendship genre, the execution feels genuine and often moving. The film's strength lies in its character-driven moments and its refusal to offer easy solutions. For viewers seeking an uplifting story with humor and heart, The Last Word is a rewarding watch. It's a testament to the idea that it's never too late to rewrite your story and that human connection can arrive in the most unexpected ways.


















