THE LAST REPUBLICAN

USA | 2024 | 90m | English

Cast: Adam Kinzinger, Steve Pink, Sofia Kinzinger, Austin Weatherford, Maura Gillespie

Director(s): Steve Pink

Kinzinger was elected to the US House of Representatives in 2011 as a Republican committed to upholding the conservative values rooted in his Midwest upbringing. During Donald Trump’s administration, he grew dismayed watching the GOP conform to extreme rhetoric. When Trump rallied his followers to besiege the US capital on January 6, 2021, Kinzinger was among 10 Republicans who voted to impeach the president for instigating an insurrection. He then served on the Congressional committee to investigate what had happened on January 6.

Standing up to Trump became a death blow to his congressional career. Members of Kinzinger’s own party made him a pariah, while extremists and trolls issued death threats to his family. The film follows Kinzinger over his final year in office as he withstands these pressures and wrestles with the consequences of staying true to his core values.

The Last Republican is bracing to watch in the months before the US votes on its political future. If there’s any hope for bipartisan discussion, it may start with a sense of humour.

Courtesy of TIFF

TIFF 24 REVIEW BY: KURT MORRISON

DATE: SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

RATING: 4 out of 5

The Last Republican is a thought-provoking documentary that blends political drama with moments of comic relief, offering a year-long look into former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger’s tumultuous experience following his efforts to hold Donald Trump accountable for the January 6 riots. Directed by Steve Pink, the film provides an intimate portrait of Kinzinger, emphasizing the significant personal sacrifices he made in his quest to do what he and Pink argue is simply the right thing.

Kinzinger, with his charismatic and articulate demeanor, proves to be a compelling subject for the camera. His self-deprecating nature shines through as he downplays his moral stance, famously stating, “I don’t believe what I did was courageous. I think it’s just that I was surrounded by cowards.” His candidness and charm are a testament to why he has become a frequent presence on television.

Although The Last Republican doesn’t offer groundbreaking revelations about January 6 or Kinzinger’s work on the committee, it revisits the event’s most damning moments with meticulous attention. The film’s centerpiece is naturally the footage from the hearings, which might feel familiar to those who followed the events closely. However, it’s the personal insights shared by Kinzinger and his wife, Sofia, that provide a fresh and deeply emotional perspective. Sofia’s vivid recounting of her anxiety and fear for her husband’s safety adds a personal dimension to the well-known story.

One of the documentary’s most revealing moments comes from Kinzinger’s reflections on a critical Republican conference call. During this call, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy announced his intention to vote against certifying Biden’s election win. Kinzinger’s warning about the potential for violence was met with McCarthy’s dismissive “Ok Adam,” followed by a quick transition to the next topic. This interaction underscores the broader indifference and political maneuvering that characterized the response to the crisis.

As the film progresses, McCarthy himself offers a striking analogy, likening January 6 to a “bad bender” for the Republican party. He suggests that the party should have used this moment to recover and move on, rather than doubling down on Trump. It is in moments like this, that we are able to see just how deep the roots of corruption have gotten within the government and the senate and a shocking reminder that something of this very nature can happen again.

With the American Election a mere two months away, The Last Republican is as timely as ever. It is a documentary that everyone should see in order to understand the extremism of Nationalist politics and the dangers that are right under our noses with the election coming up. The film's blend of political insight and personal reflection makes it a powerful and thought-provoking watch.