June 10, 2026
FILM: THE LAST ONE FOR THE ROAD
DIRECTED BY: FRANCESCO SOSSAI
WRITTEN BY: ADRIANO CANDIAGO, FRANCESCO SOSSAI
STARRING: FILIPPO SCOTTI, SERGIO ROMANO, PIERPAOLO CAPOVILLA
RATING: 3 ½ out of 4 stars
We’ve all heard the line, “one more for the road,” which, of course, seems irresponsible these days given the issue with drunk drivers on the road. Nevertheless, the expression still exists as do the additional drinks that come about after what’s supposed to be the last drink. This Italian film isn’t so much about heavy drinkers but about not wanting something to end. In the case of two of the protagonists, Carlobianchi (Sergio Romano) and Doriano (Pierpaulo Capovilla) it is partially the memory of their friend Genio for whom they are feeling nostalgic when the film begins. He had left Italy for Argentina after the three had made money stealing people’s glasses(!) sometime in the past. They’re both currently struggling financially now and drown their sorrows by having that one last drink – which leads to a series of additional drinks as they wind their way through the Venetian region of the country.
The Last One for the Road is essentially a road film that takes us through sections of Italy that aren’t often portrayed on film. It’s the underbelly, the less glamorous parts of the region that filmmaker Francesco Sossai is most interested in taking us through while also introducing us to its various local characters. Early on their journey they meet a young architecture student named Giulio (Filippo Scotti) who is lamenting what seems like a broken relationship with a fellow female classmate. Doriano and Carlobianchi take the boy under their wings for another “last drink” which leads to a night and day of various talks and adventures. They’re still penniless swindlers of sorts but they have warm hearts. It’s interesting how trusting Giulio is of the men and how the power of more alcohol and friendship keeps him from getting back sooner for his university final review.
Giulio is a breath of fresh air. He symbolically is a replacement for Genio, the third member of their former trio. In a bold directorial choice, there are a series of flashbacks in which the men tell Genio’s story which feature the same actor who plays Giulio standing in for the younger version of Genio. (Even the names are very similar which may appear more confusing on paper than in the film itself.)
There is a sense that Doriano and Carlobianchi are also aware of their own aging and mortality. At one point “the gravity of death” is discussed. Yet, as they meander through the twisting roads of the region, they seem to be pushing for more adventure. As one of them says, “the desire for the last drink never goes away.” They keep having theirs even as one of their much older fathers asks them when they are going to grow up.
The music that accompanies most of the film’s scenes features a sad, wailing guitar. We never really see the guys as depressing losers though for all three are sweet, as is the film. One of them remarks, “it’s bitter but in the end, sweet.” Life can be bitter at times but in the end, we can find something that makes it better, whether it be a fresh face or another round of drinks.
The Last One for the Road is about the finality of things and letting go but also how we choose to hang on for more. Endings can be ironic and bittersweet. When the trio wind up at the funerary museum of famed Italian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa, Giulio remarks that he transformed the way stairs are constructed yet he died falling down a flight of them. The goal may be to keep striving even if it does kill us in the end.
The Last One for the Road is currently playing in limited theatrical release. It will be screened at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago beginning this weekend.
FILM: THE LAST ONE FOR THE ROAD
DIRECTED BY: FRANCESCO SOSSAI
WRITTEN BY: ADRIANO CANDIAGO, FRANCESCO SOSSAI
STARRING: FILIPPO SCOTTI, SERGIO ROMANO, PIERPAOLO CAPOVILLA
RATING: 3 ½ out of 4 stars
We’ve all heard the line, “one more for the road,” which, of course, seems irresponsible these days given the issue with drunk drivers on the road. Nevertheless, the expression still exists as do the additional drinks that come about after what’s supposed to be the last drink. This Italian film isn’t so much about heavy drinkers but about not wanting something to end. In the case of two of the protagonists, Carlobianchi (Sergio Romano) and Doriano (Pierpaulo Capovilla) it is partially the memory of their friend Genio for whom they are feeling nostalgic when the film begins. He had left Italy for Argentina after the three had made money stealing people’s glasses(!) sometime in the past. They’re both currently struggling financially now and drown their sorrows by having that one last drink – which leads to a series of additional drinks as they wind their way through the Venetian region of the country.
The Last One for the Road is essentially a road film that takes us through sections of Italy that aren’t often portrayed on film. It’s the underbelly, the less glamorous parts of the region that filmmaker Francesco Sossai is most interested in taking us through while also introducing us to its various local characters. Early on their journey they meet a young architecture student named Giulio (Filippo Scotti) who is lamenting what seems like a broken relationship with a fellow female classmate. Doriano and Carlobianchi take the boy under their wings for another “last drink” which leads to a night and day of various talks and adventures. They’re still penniless swindlers of sorts but they have warm hearts. It’s interesting how trusting Giulio is of the men and how the power of more alcohol and friendship keeps him from getting back sooner for his university final review.
Giulio is a breath of fresh air. He symbolically is a replacement for Genio, the third member of their former trio. In a bold directorial choice, there are a series of flashbacks in which the men tell Genio’s story which feature the same actor who plays Giulio standing in for the younger version of Genio. (Even the names are very similar which may appear more confusing on paper than in the film itself.)
There is a sense that Doriano and Carlobianchi are also aware of their own aging and mortality. At one point “the gravity of death” is discussed. Yet, as they meander through the twisting roads of the region, they seem to be pushing for more adventure. As one of them says, “the desire for the last drink never goes away.” They keep having theirs even as one of their much older fathers asks them when they are going to grow up.
The music that accompanies most of the film’s scenes features a sad, wailing guitar. We never really see the guys as depressing losers though for all three are sweet, as is the film. One of them remarks, “it’s bitter but in the end, sweet.” Life can be bitter at times but in the end, we can find something that makes it better, whether it be a fresh face or another round of drinks.
The Last One for the Road is about the finality of things and letting go but also how we choose to hang on for more. Endings can be ironic and bittersweet. When the trio wind up at the funerary museum of famed Italian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa, Giulio remarks that he transformed the way stairs are constructed yet he died falling down a flight of them. The goal may be to keep striving even if it does kill us in the end.
The Last One for the Road is currently playing in limited theatrical release. It will be screened at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago beginning this weekend.