Somewhere in South Africa, under the cover of night, two brothers are about to meet to discuss working for a local crime lord. The only problem is that one brother has another reason for coming to the meeting. So begins the setup in Isaac ‘Izzy’ Kaninda’s Last Reign.
Running a brisk pace, eclipsed in shadow and mystery, carpeted by a pulse soundtrack, this brief yet beautiful take on the old bait and switch is stylishly delivered. Kaninda’s direction of St Noble’s camera adds scope to Mpho Mofekeng’s witty script, which takes you down one road, only to surprise when the turn comes.
“Two brothers are about to meet to discuss working for a local crime lord.”
There is palpable tension as the ultimate betrayal unfolds, and a seemingly insufferable sacrifice is made. But the story ends there. Nor is the entire film blanketed in darkness. A flashback in the daylight helps add some depth to the characters and the story. There is misdirection at play both within the plot and the way the story develops.
When the prestige moment of the brother’s plan comes full circle, there is genuine surprise. But pride cometh before a fall, and those on top forget that there is always someone waiting to knock them down. Should you become careless?
Last Reign is brief and brutal while being cool and clever. There is no honor among thieves, but blood is thicker than water.
"…the ultimate betrayal unfolds, and a seemingly insufferable sacrifice is made."
