Movie spotlight
The Last Straw
It's Christmas break at the McDonald house, but silent nights--and days--are nowhere to be found. With the children's constant bickering, pretty packages and a sweet-smelling tree don't come close to filling the McDonald home with the true spirit of the first Christmas. Then Mom remembers an old tradition of building a soft bed for Baby Jesus one straw at a time. Each time someone secretly does something nice for another family member, he or she gets to add a single straw to the manager. Soon the children's quarreling and negative feelings subside and the homemade crib fills with straw. But for one family member, a required act of kindness becomes more than he can take. Inspired by a true story with both heart and humor. The Last Straw may forever change the way your family celebrates Christmas.
Insights
Plot Summary
A deeply religious man, convinced he is living in the end times, decides to take his family to a remote monastery to escape the impending apocalypse. However, his rigid beliefs and obsession with salvation clash with the practicalities of life and the desires of his family.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often highlighting its philosophical depth and Mironov's performance, though some found its pacing and thematic exploration to be uneven.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its exploration of faith and existentialism.
Yevgeny Mironov's performance was widely commended.
Some found the narrative slow and its message heavy-handed.
Google audience: Audience reception data is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was screened at the 2014 Moscow International Film Festival.
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