New York Film Festival 2025: ‘The Last One for the Road:’ Francesco Sossai’s Endearing Veneto Road Trip

“We’re too old to grow up”

Italian writer-director Francesco Sossai has crafted an atmospheric, endearing look at Gen X, born during an economic boom in Italy, who then suffered the 2008 financial crisis and are now a bit lost and don’t really fit in today’s world. A road trip of sorts, The Last One for the Road (Le città di pianura), set in the Veneto region, follows Doriano (Pierpaolo Capovilla) and Carlo (Sergio Romano) on their way to see a longtime friend, who are on a constant quest for that “last drink.” But with each last drink is the craving for another last drink. Along the way they befriend Giulio (Filippo Scotti), a nerdy and naive college kid studying architecture, and he reluctantly, at first, joins them in their journey, but soon finds himself embroiled in the duo’s escapades.

A standout sequence has the trio accidentally (but then deliberately) posing as architects so they can tour an estate and con the owner out of a few drinks and some travel money. There’s even a super bizarre, but fascinating and sexy queer moment that occurs between two of the male characters.

Both Romano and Capovilla are terrific, but it’s young Scotti, best know for his lead role in Paolo Sorrentino’s The Hand of God, who has the most compelling character arc. The gifted young actor manages to steal the film. 

Sossai’s cool, relaxed, dolly-in/out style is reminiscent of the ’70s work of Robert Altman and Hal Ashby. And while the film can be a bit taxing on one’s patience, there are plenty of joys to be had along their meandering odyssey.

The Last One for the Road (Le città di pianura) is part of the Main Slate at the 63rd New York Film Festival.

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For tickets and/or more info visit HERE.