Last Looks (2021) is a stylish and offbeat crime thriller that blends action, comedy, and neo-noir elements into a compelling watch. Directed by Tim Kirkby, the film stars Charlie Hunnam as Charlie Waldo, a disgraced LAPD detective who has retreated to a hermetic life in the woods. His self-imposed exile is shattered when a tenacious private investigator, played by Lucy Fry, drags him back to Los Angeles to solve the high-profile murder of a television star's wife. The case plunges Waldo into the absurd and corrupt underbelly of Hollywood, where every suspect is more eccentric than the last, including a volatile actor portrayed with scene-stealing flair by Mel Gibson.

The film's strength lies in its tone and performances. Hunnam delivers a suitably weary and sardonic lead, perfectly capturing a man haunted by his past but unable to resist the pull of a puzzle. The supporting cast, including Morena Baccarin and Clancy Brown, adds depth and humor to the intricate plot. While the mystery itself is engaging, the real pleasure comes from the sharp dialogue and the fish-out-of-water dynamic as Waldo navigates the grotesque glamour of celebrity culture with his minimalist, woodsman sensibility.

Viewers should watch Last Looks for its unique voice within the crime genre. It doesn't take itself too seriously, offering witty banter and unexpected twists, yet it maintains a genuine sense of stakes and character development. The direction is assured, balancing the gritty investigation with moments of levity and visual style. Despite a modest IMDb rating, the film is a satisfying and entertaining ride for fans of detective stories with a darkly comedic edge, proving that sometimes the most interesting cases are found in the last place you'd look.