What Is The Last Days About?
The premise of The Last Days in 279 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the waning months of 1944, Budapest becomes a crucible of fear and desperation as Nazi forces launch a brutal campaign that threatens to eradicate half a million Jews. The Last Days unfolds in this stark historical landscape, inviting viewers into a world where ordinary lives are shattered by the relentless machinery of genocide. The documentary’s tone balances the gravity of its subject with a reverent intimacy, letting the haunting silence of shattered streets speak as loudly as any narration.
At its heart are five survivors whose testimonies anchor the film’s emotional core. Each recounts a journey through loss, concealment, and the thin line between survival and surrender, offering personal windows into a collective tragedy. Their voices rise from the rubble, revealing moments of quiet courage, fleeting kindness, and the relentless will to endure amid unimaginable horror. The film’s structure weaves these narratives together, allowing the audience to experience the breadth of the catastrophe through individual lenses rather than abstract statistics.
Visually, the documentary blends archival footage, stark photographs, and contemporary interviews, creating a mosaic that feels both museum‑like and immediate. The music is restrained, underscoring the stories without overt sentimentality, while the pacing mirrors the hesitant breaths of those recalling their past. This careful craftsmanship ensures that the weight of history is felt, yet not overwhelmed by melodrama.
Ultimately, The Last Days serves as a testament to human resilience, honoring those who lived through one of history’s darkest chapters while reminding viewers of the fragile thread that carries hope through even the deepest darkness. Its immersive approach leaves a lingering sense of reflection, urging a contemplation of memory, responsibility, and the enduring spirit that refuses to be erased.
What Happens in The Last Days?
The complete story of The Last Days, from the first scene to the last, in 547 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Set in New York City during the early 1980s, the story revolves around two recent graduates, Alice Kinnon and Charlotte Pingress, who have just completed their studies at New Hampshire College. They find themselves working as underpaid readers at a local publishing house. One night, after work, they manage to gain entry to an exclusive disco nightclub where Alice hopes to connect with Jimmy Steinway. Unfortunately, Jimmy is in a bad mood after being prohibited from bringing clients to the club, leading to a confrontation with his friend Des McGrath, who works as the club’s manager and is on thin ice for letting Jimmy and his associates inside.
When Jimmy is kicked out, Alice takes the opportunity, encouraged by Charlotte, to spend the night with her back-up choice, Tom Platt. The following day at work, the two friends discuss strategies to expedite their careers and decide to share an apartment with another friend, Holly. Although Alice hesitates, they eventually agree on a railroad apartment.
Drama unfolds when Alice discovers that Charlotte has feelings for Jimmy, which disturbs her, especially after Tom reveals that he had a long-term girlfriend during their one-night stand, and feels compelled to return to her. Meanwhile, Des shows an interest in Alice, leading to a complex web of relationships.
Alice takes a bold step by advocating for the publication of a book on Buddhism, previously dismissed by Charlotte. Although it’s discovered that the author is not truly the brother of the Dalai Lama, Alice stands her ground, claiming the book as one of her favorites. As she gains respect at work, Charlotte’s insecurity grows, especially after she embarrassingly announces Alice’s medical condition at the club, mistakenly thinking it will make her more appealing to men. Intriguingly, Des becomes more attracted to Alice afterward, leading to casual dating.
The dynamics complicate when Alice confronts Tom about her illness, where he initially deflects blame but ultimately confesses to giving her herpes as well. Enter Josh Neff, a district attorney and friend of Jimmy, who expresses interest in Alice during a lunch, revealing his own struggles with manic depression. Their relationship deepens as they go on proper dates, but things take a dramatic turn when Charlotte suffers a miscarriage and is devastated to learn that Jimmy plans to leave for Barcelona. Tension escalates when Charlotte questions Alice about Jimmy’s feelings for her.
Amid these tumultuous events, the nightclub faces a police raid due to tax fraud, and Des, filled with anxiety over Josh’s affection for Alice, tries to escape. The state of the nightclub mirrors the decline of disco as a whole, as Alice and Charlotte watch the fallout from their jobs at the merging publishing house that leads to layoffs.
Not long after, the trio—Charlotte, Josh, and Des—emerge from an unemployment office with pink slips. However, Alice celebrates her promotion after successfully changing her book to a self-help genre, much to their surprise. As they head to Lutèce for a celebration, they discuss the challenges and joys of being with individuals whose personalities clash with their own vibrant lives. The film concludes on a light-hearted note with Alice and Josh breaking character on the subway, dancing to “Love Train,” as fellow passengers join in their spontaneous celebration, symbolizing a moment of joy amidst the chaos.
The Last Days Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Graduation” to “Celebration on the Subway”. 10 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Graduation
Alice Kinnon and Charlotte Pingress have just graduated from New Hampshire College. The early 1980s bring them to New York City, where they begin their journey into the working world.
When:Early 1980s Where:New Hampshire College
- 2
Working at the Publishing House
The two friends secure low-paying jobs as readers at a local publishing house. This setting introduces them to the tough realities of the literary world as they strive to carve out their careers.
Where:New York City
- 3
Night out at the Disco
After work, Alice and Charlotte sneak into an exclusive disco nightclub. This night is meant for Alice to connect with Jimmy Steinway, but instead leads to unforeseen drama and conflict.
Where:Exclusive Disco Nightclub, NYC
- 4
Jimmy's Confrontation
Inside the club, tensions flare when Jimmy is barred from bringing clients in, leading to a public confrontation with his friend Des, the club manager. This event sets off a series of emotional entanglements.
Where:Exclusive Disco Nightclub, NYC
- 5
Alice's Decision
With Jimmy out of the picture, Alice is encouraged by Charlotte to spend the night with Tom Platt. Their one-night stand complicates Alice's emotions and future relationships.
Where:Exclusive Disco Nightclub, NYC
- 6
Roommate Agreement
The next day, Alice and Charlotte discuss ways to accelerate their careers. They decide to share an apartment with their friend Holly, ultimately choosing a railroad apartment together.
Where:New York City
- 7
Complex Relationships
Alice learns of Charlotte's feelings for Jimmy, creating tension between the two friends. Meanwhile, Tom's confession about his long-term girlfriend adds further complication to Alice's feelings.
- 8
Alice Advocates for a Book
Alice boldly pushes for the publication of a book on Buddhism, even after Charlotte dismisses it. Claiming it as one of her favorites, she earns respect from her colleagues despite the author's questionable credibility.
Where:Publishing House, NYC
- 9
Charlotte's Embarrassment
During a night at the club, Charlotte wrongly believes that revealing Alice's medical condition will enhance her appeal. This backfires and leads to unexpected romantic interest from Des towards Alice.
Where:Club, NYC
- 10
Confrontation about Illness
Alice bravely confronts Tom, seeking the truth about her illness. Tom eventually admits to giving her herpes, stirring up feelings of betrayal and loss between them.
Show the other 5 events of The Last Days Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Josh Enters the Picture
Josh Neff, a district attorney and friend of Jimmy, shows interest in Alice during a lunch meeting. Their connection grows as they share personal struggles, particularly Josh's battle with manic depression.
- 12
Charlotte's Miscarriage
Tragedy strikes when Charlotte suffers a miscarriage, throwing her into deep emotional turmoil. The situation worsens when she discovers that Jimmy plans to leave for Barcelona, amplifying her heartbreak.
- 13
Club Raid and Job Instability
The nightclub becomes embroiled in a police raid due to tax fraud allegations. Amid this chaos, Alice and Charlotte witness the challenges of their failing jobs as their publishing house also faces layoffs.
Where:Nightclub, NYC
- 14
Unemployment and Promotion
The trio emerges from an unemployment office with pink slips, facing uncertainty about their futures. In a surprising twist, Alice receives a promotion after effectively changing her book's genre to self-help.
- 15
Celebration on the Subway
The film concludes with Alice and Josh celebrating her promotion by dancing to 'Love Train' on the subway. This moment of joy amidst the chaos signifies new beginnings and the strength of their relationship.
Where:Subway, NYC
Who Are the Main Characters in The Last Days?
3 characters, among them Alice Kinnon (Alice Lok Cahana), Charlotte Pingress (Charlotte Pingress) and Josh Neff: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.
- AK
Alice Kinnon (Alice Lok Cahana)
Played by Alice Lok Cahana
Alice is an ambitious recent graduate, eager to make her mark in the publishing world. Her determination is evident when she stands up for her work, advocating for a controversial book. However, she also grapples with insecurity and emotional turmoil as love and friendship dynamics complicate her life.
- 🎓 Graduate
- 💼 Ambitious
- 💕 Romantic
- CP
Charlotte Pingress (Charlotte Pingress)
Charlotte is Alice's close friend, who struggles with feelings of jealousy and insecurity. Her affection for Jimmy complicates her friendship with Alice, leading to conflicts and challenges. Her character represents the emotional struggles that often accompany love and ambition.
- 👭 Friend
- 😔 Insecure
- 💔 Jealous
- JN
Josh Neff
Josh is a district attorney who becomes interested in Alice. His struggles with manic depression add depth to his character, showcasing vulnerability and the challenge of personal demons. His relationship with Alice highlights the themes of understanding and support amidst emotional challenges.
- 💼 Attorney
- 🧠 Depressed
- ❤️ Supportive
Where and When Is The Last Days Set?
The Last Days is set in New York City, New Hampshire College and Lutèce (early 1980s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
early 1980s
The early 1980s were characterized by significant social change and the rise of new cultural movements, including the decline of disco and a shift in publishing dynamics. This period saw young adults navigating complex relationships and career challenges in a tumultuous economic landscape, reflective of the struggles faced by the characters in the film.
Where
New York City, New Hampshire College, Lutèce
The movie is primarily set in New York City, a vibrant cultural hub known for its nightlife and diverse population. New Hampshire College serves as the educational backdrop for the main characters, symbolizing their transition into adulthood. Lutèce, a renowned restaurant, represents a moment of celebration and joy amidst the chaos of their professional lives.
- 🏙️ City
- 📚 College
- 🍽️ Restaurant
What Are the Themes of The Last Days?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love & Heartbreak, Ambition and Change.
-
01
Love & Heartbreak
The theme of love and heartbreak is central to the story as characters navigate their feelings for each other amidst personal struggles. Alice's romantic entanglements lead to complex feelings of jealousy and betrayal, particularly with Charlotte's feelings for Jimmy. These dynamics reveal how relationships can be both uplifting and painful during formative years.
-
02
Ambition
Ambition drives the characters as they seek success and validation in their careers. Alice's determination to advocate for a book on Buddhism showcases her aspirations, while her friends also grapple with their own professional identities amidst the challenges of the publishing industry. This theme highlights the pursuit of goals and the sometimes painful journey toward self-realization.
-
03
Change
Change is a recurring theme, reflected in the characters' transitions from students to professionals and the shifting dynamics of their relationships. The economic uncertainties and the nightclub's raid symbolize the broader societal changes, compelling the characters to adapt and redefine their paths. This theme underscores the unpredictability of life and the resilience needed to navigate it.
What Kind of Film Is The Last Days?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A harrowing and solemn documentary that recounts devastating experiences of survival during the Holocaust, yet ultimately feels reflective and celebrates the enduring strength of the human spirit.
- retrospective
- tense
- moody
- hopeful
- dramatic
- thoughtful
- world war ii
- holocaust
- survival
- historical documentary
Content notes: war violence, genocide, trauma.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Last Days? Test yourself on the story.
