The Last Republican shines a light on a pivotal moment in recent history through the eyes of former politician Adam Kinzinger. As one of the few Republicans willing to break ranks after the 2020 election, Kinzinger knew speaking out could spell the end of his career. But with democracy itself feeling fragile, looking the other way wasn’t an option.
The documentary details Kinzinger’s final months in office. By then, he’d already drawn ire from his party for voting to impeach Donald Trump over the January 6th attack. When asked to join the committee investigating the insurrection, Kinzinger took the unpopular step of cooperating—not because he wanted to, but because our system of government was at stake.
Delving deep into this conscience-driven choice is director Steve Pink. An unlikely pair at first glance, Pink the liberal and Kinzinger the conservative find common ground in their concern for America’s future. Their discussions give layered insight, touching on politics but extending deeper through frank looks at Kinzinger’s values, family, and more.
Together, filmmaker and subject shed light on costly acts of bravery that history will remember. Premiering at TIFF, The Last Republican brings an intimate portrait of leadership displayed when it matters most.
Getting to Know the Man Behind the Mission
The Last Republican takes a unique approach to telling the story of Adam Kinzinger. The first half focuses inward, introducing the man before exploring the politician. We see him at home with his wife, laughing with his staff in between meetings. These glimpses reveal the caring family man beneath the suit and tie.
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Then in the second half, the film shifts its attention outward. It examines Kinzinger’s swelling battle against his own party in the aftermath of January 6th. We watch him strategize with the select committee and face increasing backlash over his cooperation.
This structure provides crucial context before launching into more politically charged waters. By starting personally, we connect with Kinzinger as a whole human being—not just a name in the headlines. His devotion to family and public service shines through.
However, some emotional impact is lost by separating these halves as distinctly as done. Maintaining ties to Kinzinger’s personal life throughout could have deepened the experience. Seeing how his principled stand affected his loved ones at every step might have packed an even bigger punch.
Flashbacks showing the toll on his wife and the threats against his family would resonate more if woven into the unfolding drama rather than summarized after the fact. We’re left wanting to understand him fully, as a person, through every stage of this challenging period.
Overall, the documentary benefits tremendously from establishing Kinzinger as more than just his stance on key issues. But by slicing his story in two like this, it misses chances to strengthen connections and maintain a consistent intimate perspective from start to finish. A bit more crossover between the private and public spheres could have amplified the emotional gravity of his sacrifice.
Bridging the Divide
The Last Republican offers insightful perspective on America’s strained political climate. The film depicts the mounting divide within the Republican Party in the aftermath of January 6th.
We watch as key figures like Kevin McCarthy first denounce the Capitol attack, only to later fly down to Mar-a-Lago and reinstate Trump as the leader. Through these shifting scenes, the document shows polarization intensifying around a singular contentious voice.
Yet among the discord, the movie highlights relationships that transcend tribalism. Director Steve Pink and his subject, Adam Kinzinger, come from far sides of the fence. But their interactions provide a hopeful example of how those with differing views can still get along.
Pink and Kinzinger lob playful jabs at each other’s positions, quick to laugh about opposing stances. But there’s warmth and respect underneath the jest. They see each other’s humanity beyond surface issues. Their back-and-forth feels lively rather than loathsome.
This provides striking contrast as we witness Kinzinger’s treatment by former allies. He faces vicious attacks from within the GOP for simply upholding democracy. The venom spewed shows a party prioritizing power over principle, might over right.
Amid this vitriol, the easy banter between Kinzinger and Pink stands as a reminder that even ideologically opposed Americans can find common ground if willing to sprinkle understanding into discourse. Their bond suggests a path to deescalation if we emulate their ability to disagree without demeaning others.
The Last Republican illuminates our fraught political environment through this lens of both exacerbating divisions and small acts of bridging them. In telling Kinzinger’s story, it leaves hope that with good faith on all sides, we can dial down the heat and hear each other once again.
A Window Into Kinzinger’s World
Adam Kinzinger makes for a superb documentary focus. He speaks with ease, weighing challenging issues yet keeping an air of lightness. As politicians go, few hold such captive stage presence.
The Last Republican grants insight beyond policy straight into Kinzinger’s life and drives. We learn of hometown roots shaping his conservatism, military service motivating ethics, and young fascination foreshadowing future career.
Flashes to his past startle with their relevance. Roleplaying Illinois’ governor in Halloween getups or reenacting Civil War battles—both hint at the path ahead. And his valor shines through in disturbing early footage. As a young man protecting a woman from violence, his bravery was forged early.
Kinzinger’s charm maintains audience ties when revisiting traumatic times. Descriptions of threats land with grim familiarity rather than resentment. And reflections on lingering PTSD add poignancy to such trials.
Throughout, Kinzinger remains approachable through humor at his own expense. Downplaying moral stances as “just not being cowards,” he offsets stiff partisan airs. Wit retained amid troubling ordeals strikes a blow for levelheaded leadership.
By granting intimate access, the film hones in on Kinzinger beyond a name or cause. Seeing someone so deeply yet stay devoted inspires. In chronicling family effects of principled stands, connections form that policies alone can’t touch.
The documentary proves power in revealing ordinary people thrust into extraordinary chapters. By humanizing controversial figures, common ground emerges that divisions often bury. In Kinzinger, a distinct individual emerges who happened to change history.
Standing up to the Storm
The Last Republican bears unflinching witness to the price of principles. It shows Kinzinger facing censure from his party and vicious attacks from those vowing violence. Threats grew so dire that police guarded his family’s safety around the clock.
All this arose from a single transgression: upholding his oath in the face of election subversion. At a time when lies could have toppled democracy, truth was the real treason. And so Kinzinger accepted exile through redistricting rather than let wrongs go unaddressed.
His ambition to steer post-impeachment Republicans towards integrity hints at ‘what could have been.’ After censure, Kinzinger urged colleagues to reclaim their movement. But they stayed silent, squandering a chance to purge toxic elements. Their inaction may affect us all as extremism takes root.
So the film arrives at a crossroads. Its power lies in documenting defenders of democracy when it was assailed. But watching also connects our present to its past. Because the attacks on truth and enemies’ expanding grip still threaten the future.
As elections near, the question arises: how much has really changed? Trump hangs over proceedings, still eager to claim power by any means. And those who brought him low face ongoing dangers, their project left incomplete.
So The Last Republican stands as more than a biography—it’s a cautionary tale. One man took a stand, though it cost him all. But the fight is wider than any person; it lives on wherever the readiness to sacrifice endures, so the promise of America may too.
From Capitol Hill to Comedy
Steve Pink brings levity and edge to grave topics. The Last Republican feels smooth as a promo yet strikes deeper than ads allow. Glossy shots grab us like a great trailer, and humor helps heavy notes go down.
Pink locates levity without launching barbs. His back-and-forth with Kinzinger entertains through jests, not putdowns. Their banter bears fondness beneath feints.
Also cinematic gold—chilling footage of Kinzinger’s youthful courage. Protecting a woman under threat reveals his mettle, formed from young. Surveillance glimpses a moment impacting his whole arc.
Less dazzling but still dutiful—January 6 hearing coverage. Anyone gripped by live broadcasts knows each twist. Yet documenting such weight helps cement this saga in record.
Where Pink shines most is threading these tones. Grave issues rise with a spirit that doesn’t spoil seriousness. Tensions ease some but not import. Real politics proves ripe for laughers too, if upholding the affairs of state.
With equal parts gravitas and glee, Pink’s work warrants acclaim. Bringing audiences along through tough topics needs both mastery and moxie. By exploring adversity with audacity, The Last Republican does duty to democracy in style worth emulating.
Standing on Principle
The Last Republican proves a compelling portrait of a man who did what few in his position find the courage to do—stand up when principles demanded it, no matter the cost.
It serves too as an entry point for comprehending headlines—deep events recast as personal struggles and choices. By humanizing political upheaval, the film enlightens beyond facts or factions alone.
Throughout turmoil, Kinzinger’s steady stride upheld democratic virtues all disregarded in pursuit of partisan gain. Whether history rewards such rectitude remains unknown.
For now, the documentary presents figures like him not merely as figures but as fellow citizens wrestling with matters grave for us all. It invites reflection on pressures to conform, yet resilience of those refusing silenced voices a place in discourse.
As the film fades, queries linger over what’s next for its profile in courage. Whatever comes, this portrait affirms that patriots emerge from ordinary lives, finding boldness when called to defend liberties inherited yet still fragile after all.
The Review
The Last Republican
The Last Republican brings a stirring, sophisticated look at leadership displayed in a time that tested the very foundations of American democracy. Director Steve Pink grants profound insight into the conviction required to hold true to principle despite immense pressure, revealing what unites through nuanced contrasts. Kinzinger emerges as a hero of our continuing narrative, reminded that each act of conscience, no matter how solitary, strengthens the promise of self-governance.
PROS
- Compelling portrayal of Kinzinger as a figure through gripping performances
- Provides thoughtful perspective on contemporary political divisions and acts of bravery against normalization of election subversion.
- Models civil discourse through playful exchanges between director and subject of opposing views
- Gives an intimate and humanizing view into the personal impacts of principled stands
CONS
- Narrative flow is sometimes disrupted by stark tonal shifts between personal and political focuses.
- Impact diminished by separating Kinzinger the man from Kinzinger confronting consequences of his actions.
