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2019 animated action-horror flick “To Your Last Death,” written by Jim Cirile, and Tanya C. Klein with directorial duties handled by Jason Axinn is an all-around masterpiece. Combining “Archer” style animation with superb voice acting, and juicy over-the-top action for a bloody good time.
“To Your Last Death” opens with Miriam running wildly, blood-covered into the street. Comic book-type panels display mutilated corpses, then Gamemaster tells an associate “lock the bets.” Its non-linear narrative shoves the unsuspecting audience into the midst of the story with no context which, to the film’s advantage, sows the seeds of intrigue. Flashbacks explain that Miriam’s father, Cyrus DeKalb (Ray Wise), is a billionaire war profiteer and general scumbag. Summoning his four children Miriam, Kelsy, Ethan, and Colin, Cyrus reveals that he’s dying of a brain tumor. With his demise around the corner, Cyrus hosts a family reunion “Saw” style, with death traps eagerly awaiting his offspring.
Artistically, “To Your Last Death” shines with a vivid color palette. Bright blues and reds adorn each panel. Though animated, there’s a cinematic comic book vibe. A few scenes find blood spattering the screen as if Jackson Pollocking a camera lens. It’s a pleasant touch, and coupled with a pulse-pounding score, the movie assumes a high-octane action-oriented nature.
Voice acting is top-notch. William Shatner provides epic narration as The Overseer. Dani Lennon, of “The Love Witch,” acclaim lends Miriam loads of emotional depth. At times, she’s terrified and timid, others dominant and confident. Similarly, Ray Wise, best-known for his role as Leland Palmer in David Lynch cult classic “Twin Peaks,” as well as Commissioner Gordon in “Batman: The Killing Joke,” brings the sadistic Cyrus to life.
As much as “To Your Last Death” wows with its ultra-violence, lush animation, and pulsating soundtrack, it’s a character-driven film benefitting from ample world-building. The DeKalb children each grapple with an abusive upbringing. And their trauma manifests in different ways. Miriam works for a pacifist non-profit, P.A.N.A.C. Kelsy marries a much-older man, and competitor to her father. Though Miriam suspects it’s a sort of Oedipian complex, Kelsy actually seeks to see her father’s war profiteering empire destroyed by her husband, a competitor to Cyrus. Ethan joins a metal band, while Colin strives for success. It’s a film about survivors, and dealing with not just physical but emotional wounds.
Overall, “To Your Last Death” is an action-packed, blood-drenched animated feature. Bolstered by magnificent voice acting, strong scriptwriting, and tons of character development plus world-building, it’s a delightful movie. Unique, especially for an animated flick, there’s a refreshing maturity inherent in its exploration of trauma. It’s a celebration of survivors just as much as an action-horror romp.
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