Ziba (Deba Hakmat) is a well-kept and determined British-Iranian teen. It is A-level results day, and she’s anxiously waiting for the outcome. Ziba’s stellar grades align with her aspirations to study astronomy at King’s College London, but a recent life-changing diagnosis thwart her greatest desires. Seemingly unperturbed by her ill health, Ziba plans a day of catharsis with her friends, culminating in viewing a meteor shower on Primrose Hill. Her well-scheduled programme is disrupted by Malcolm (Denzel Baidoo), a prospective footballer a year older, who is invited along by the group against Ziba’s wishes.
As Last Swim progresses, it becomes apparent that Ziba and Malcolm are at the centre of this story. They each navigate a series of hindrances, and this shared sense of uncertainty brings them closer together. Nathwani conveys this growing relationship through heartfelt montages of the group’s comraderie, such as sharing a sandwich from Ziba’s favourite restaurant, or diving into a lake and smoking a seemingly endless marijuana joint.
However, it is a visually prepossessing film. Captivating cinematography, a beautiful colour palette and intelligent editing bolster Last Swim’s youthful essence greatly. A distinct ambient score contributes to this, cleverly inserted into the film’s most fervent moments. Nathwani has a great eye. A sudden tonal shift in the film’s final act still feels in place thanks to the director’s keen focus on aesthetic deviceas. Visual storytelling is a warm touch, but moments where speech could uplift the film are missing.
It’s a rather visceral film, and the emotional plot is brought to life with finesse by Hakmat, whose portrayal of the lead character is brilliantly subtle. She performs as Ziba with flair and ensures such a complex character carries the right amount of charm. But at times, Hakmat is restrained by the supporting performances. This perhaps comes down to the collective inexperience of the fresh-faced cast. Fortunately, Nathwani’s interspersed montages prevent any wooden portrayals from diverting attention.
Overall, this is an imperfect however promising debut. Nathwani pushes the right amount of intensity to his audience, before reprieving them with an uplifting final message about life’s unpredictability.
Last Swim premiered at the 68th BFI London Film Festival, when this piece was originally written. In cinemas on Friday, April 4th. On VoD on Monday, May 5th.