The Last Ranger

Depressing for sure, but also super engaging. The emotions feel earned and the message behind it is shown very effectively.

5.3 - This was my least favorite of the 2025 Oscar Nominated Live Action Shorts set.

It’s competent. Acting is solid, direction is solid, & locations are gorgeous which works well in juxtaposition with the horror of the subject matter.

But it felt long & a little drawn out, not quite packing the same punch as its competitors in their shorter run times. And in a odd way it felt a little exploitative. As awful as poaching is, I can’t help but wonder if a documentary short format would have helped this highlight the real world implications even stronger?

Depressing for sure, but also super engaging. The emotions feel earned and the message behind it is shown very effectively.

5.3 - This was my least favorite of the 2025 Oscar Nominated Live Action Shorts set.

It’s competent. Acting is solid, direction is solid, & locations are gorgeous which works well in juxtaposition with the horror of the subject matter.

But it felt long & a little drawn out, not quite packing the same punch as its competitors in their shorter run times. And in a odd way it felt a little exploitative. As awful as poaching is, I can’t help but wonder if a documentary short format would have helped this highlight the real world implications even stronger?