The streets of New York provide the backdrop to most of the proceedings, but despite the gorgeous surroundings, and gorgeous people, this is a rather empty affair (pun intended). All four principles stare out of windows, gaze knowingly at each other in trendy bars, but very little is done to explain who these people are and why this marriage is worth saving. Indeed, the connection between them and their potential lovers is explored more, but this doesn’t sustain you throughout, and ultimately the film’s slow pace adds to a rather boring experience.
We are told many, many times that Knightley is beautiful, which indeed she is, but besides her looks she does little to convey to the audience why two men should be so in love with her. Worthington looks lost, as does Mendes, and their whole segment of the film is conducted with very little passion or suspense, as if both go through the motions hoping to stumble across some chemistry by accident. Canet is the most well-formed character, if a little bit too much like ‘Pepé Le Pew’ at times with his smouldering stares. Whilst it should be given credit for not trying to wrap things up too neatly, Last Night is a film more concerned with being beautiful than being intelligent. The central relationship is sorely lacking in depth, meaning the ‘Will they? Won’t they?’ question is made redundant, because you just don’t care.