Film Review: LAST FLIGHT HOME (2022) DIR. ONDI TIMONER
Eli Timoner, Lisa Timoner, Rachel Timoner, Ondi Timoner, and David Timoner in an archival image taken at Boeing HQ in Seattle on October 30, 1979. From LAST FLIGHT HOME, directed by Ondi Timoner. Courtesy of MTV Documentary Films.
Written by Belle McIntyre
Seen through the eyes of the accomplished filmmaker Ondi Timoner, she turns the camera on the final days of her father Eli, the 92-year old patriarch who lived a rich full life with multiple successes as well as potentially shattering setbacks. This is such an intimate and personal account of a wise, funny and loving human being that one cannot help but be moved by the extraordinary attention and affection of his adoring family. The sensitivity that his daughter brings to the filming of his last days is a tribute to her talent as a documentarian as well as to the personal attributes of the man himself.
It began as a way to capture his presence while he still lived and has something of the feeling of a home movie. He had started a hugely successful airline Air Florida. His active life was cut short at the age of 53 when he suffered a stroke brought on by a masseuse which paralyzed his left side. He soldiered on with grace, dignity and determination for as long as he was able. Over time, he became less and less able, was ultimately bedridden for many years and finally completely immobilized.
Clockwise from top left, Lisa Timoner, Eli Timoner, Rachel Timoner, Ondi Timoner, and David Timoner in an archival image taken at Boeing HQ in Seattle on October 30, 1979. From LAST FLIGHT HOME, directed by Ondi Timoner. Courtesy of MTV Documentary Films.
Fortunately he lived in California which is one of the few states to have an End of Life Option Act which gives mentally and physically capable terminally ill people the right to end their lives after a 15-day waiting period. As the film focuses on the countdown to his final days, the family learned so much of how to embrace the life and the choice of death as a beautiful transition. The three siblings, their mother and grandchildren all have very different ways of handling the coming loss. There is no denial among them which is a liberating experience. Not to mention the fact of the waiting period makes it possible for everyone to make the most of the last days and show the love as well as receive it abundantly.
I think it is hugely important as we are all going to have to do it and not to be fearful is something to be aspired to. It is full of wisdom and warmth as well as hope. She has made a magnificent tribute to a wonderful father and the beauty of familial love.
Ondi Timoner and Eli Timoner in a scene from LAST FLIGHT HOME, directed by Ondi Timoner. Courtesy of MTV Documentary Films.
