Movie Review: ‘Last Stop’ – A Thrilling and Equally Humorous Ride.

In many ways, it feels like 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for the Ghanaian film industry, judging from some of the films confirmed for release. It is also equally exciting to see several notable directors and producers returning to cinema releases, especially after gaining attention with productions for TV.

Director and producer Kwabena Gyansah makes a long-awaited comeback to the big screen with Last Stop, a multi-layered narrative that delivers decent measures of crime, desperation, betrayal, and political conspiracy.

Adjetey Anang in Last Stop (2025)

This film tells the story of Nii (played by Adjetey Anang), a struggling trotro driver who gets dragged into a high-stakes hunt for a missing phone after his mate, Kwame (played by Clemento Suarez) finds and sells it off. Unknown to them, Queen (played by Lydia Forson), a ruthless fixer, is also after this phone not just because it guarantees her and her crew a big payday, but because it holds a secret that could trigger an avalanche of undesired events for a prominent politician if it falls into the wrong hands.

As Nii and Kwame attempt to track down the phone, they are not aware of the secrets, dangers, and unintended consequences of the choices they are about to make. Despite the film’s intense premise, Kwabena Gyansah cleverly infuses it with well-timed humour which makes ‘Last Stop’ an entertaining ride rather than a completely nerve-wracking experience.

At its core, the film examines how everyday choices can have unforeseen and sometimes devastating repercussions. Nii and Kwame are initially uninvolved in the criminal world. They are just everyday men with their issues to deal with. But one wrong action inadvertently thrusts them into a dangerous situation that would also affect people close to them.

Another key theme that cannot be overlooked in the narrative is the strained relationship between a father and his son. Throughout the film, we witness moments of tension between Nii and his father, and we initially conclude that his resentment is justified due to past abuse. But as the narrative unfolds, it subtly reminds us that blood is thicker than water. Even with the tension in their relationship, we see Nii trying his best to show his father care. The old man attempts to also make amends even after his passing.

Clemento Suarez in Last Stop (2025)

The film boasts an impressive cast, and every actor seems well-utilized. Adjetey Anang, the obvious choice for Nii, delivers as expected, portraying the weary but resilient driver with conviction. Lydia Forson, on the other hand, fully embodies the viciousness of Queen. The moment she steps into a scene, her dominance and intimidation are well felt. It as though Queen has no fear or regard for anyone who steps up in front of her.

Clemento Suarez also delivered exceptionally well in his role as Kwame. His character brings most of the humour in this film. The comedy is well-balanced, never feeling forced or over the top. Clemento doesn’t overshadow the others, and his witty lines are perfectly timed, ensuring that the humour does not dilute the film’s tension.

Veteran actor Fred Amugi adds a layer of emotional depth with his performance as Nii’s abusive yet regretful father, while Andrew Adote Tandoh’s portrayal of Musah, a character that is very central to the film’s plot comes across as somewhat mechanical. Perhaps this is due to my expectations, having seen him deliver stronger performances on stage. Similarly, Solomon Fixon-Owoo’s talent and range feels a bit underutilized, as he appears to have very few lines in the film. Nonetheless, the collective performances elevate the film, with even minor roles and extras contributing to the overall experience.

With all the intensity and urgency the story builds up towards its climax, the ending feels somewhat anticlimactic. While the mystery surrounding the phone and its importance is eventually revealed, the resolution feels too safe. Almost as though it was a convenient wrap-up for the story. I feel the final standoff between Queen’s men and their detractors could have been ‘milked’ for some more action that would have served as a befitting climax for this high-stakes thriller.

That said, it still feels like the final scenes of the narrative do a great job of reinforcing the film’s core themes. We are reminded that blood is thicker than water and in the end, family is important.

Lydia Forson in Last Stop (2025)

From a technical standpoint, ‘Last Stop‘ is well-executed. The cinematography, sound design, and art direction all feel carefully thought through. It is clear that the intention was to create a film that balances mild comedy with thrilling elements, and it works. The soft, cinematic look of the film enhances the overall experience, making it feel polished and visually appealing adding to to the cinematic experience.

However, one notable letdown in the production is some of the editing choices. Given the urgency of Nii and Kwame’s situation, the pacing in certain scenes could have been tightened. Some sequences slow down the narrative, toning down the urgency that the storyline demands.

Ultimately, ‘Last Stop‘ delivers well on its themes. It presents a layered narrative that offers enough humour to keep you entertained while leaving you with something to think about. The film reminds us that every choice has consequences. And knowing this should encourage us to make the right choices, especially when they affect the people closest to us.

I would score this film 7/10. If you’re looking for a movie to watch with a group of friends and with enough to debate over and laugh over as well, then ‘Last Stop‘ should be on your list.

Do well to go catch ‘Last Stop‘ while it is still showing at Silverbird Cinemas. Hopefully, it gets a digital release subsequently so a lot more people can get to enjoy it.