Last Flight Home

Eli Timoner is ready to die. From the sombre phone call with his daughter Ondi (the director) that opens the documentary, there’s no doubt in his mind that’s what he wants to do. He’s taken back home and placed in a hospital bed in the living room where he’s surrounded by his family and closest friends throughout the 15-day waiting period mandated by California’s “End of Life” law. Cameras are set up around the room to capture Eli’s final days as he says his goodbyes, while his endlessly supportive family come to terms with the heart-breaking realisation that they’ll be losing their father, husband, grandfather and best friend.

Over the course of Last Flight Home, Ondi Timoner brings viewers into these intimate family moments. We spend our time in the room as if we, too, are standing by Eli’s bedside in what we know are his dying days. The tearful conversations between family members discussing their worries and fears of a life without him are devastating in their rawness. No matter how upsetting the film gets, though, Last Flight Home is primarily a celebration of Eli’s life and, above all, a powerful testimony to the value of love.

Once the founder of one of the fastest-growing airlines in America in the 70s, Eli was left paralysed after an accident. All he ever wanted was to support and care for his children and grandchildren. However, he has doubts about how successful his life was in this regard. Part of this documentary is likewise spent seeing how Eli can make peace with his lingering demons and accept his family’s love for him.

The filmmaker doesn’t pull any emotional punches nor does she shy away from the tougher moments. Viewers bear witness to every key point in Eli’s final journey, which has scenes that some will find extremely tough to watch. Last Flight Home gets up close and personal with death as it confronts viewers with the heartache and pain that comes with it. Alongside the sadness, Timoner creates a poignant and endlessly moving tribute to love.

Andrew Murray

Last Flight Home is released in select cinemas on 25^th November 2022.

Watch the trailer for Last Flight Home here: