12 contestants become part of a survival type reality show. Each is there for different reasons, some to prove something to themselves, some for an adventure, some for notoriety and some for the money. One of the contestants, who the producers nickname Zoo, is there for one last adventure and to reflect on her life before she and her husband take a step she has been avoiding – to start a family.
It is obvious from the beginning that reality is not the same for all involved. Editors and producers edit and cut so that viewers will see each contestant the way they want them portrayed. From the beginning, though, Zoo, is one of the ones who is cast as likeable, strong, and capable of actually winning the contest.
It isn’t long before Zoo finds herself alone in what she thinks is a solo challenge. Hunger, fatigue, solitude and what she thinks is illness from bad water soon take their toll and she begins to confuse what is real and what is manmade reality. Is there really a pandemic that has wiped out town after town, or is that part of the script? Did she see dead and decomposing bodies or were they props like the hiker who ‘fell’ over the cliff?
The Last one is a fascinating look into the making of reality shows, how easily people are manipulated, how our view of reality is skewed, and how strength of character can persevere .