Last Hit, the latest feature from director David M. Parks, is a gritty and streamlined crime thriller that throws viewers into the middle of a tense, dangerous world where getting out clean is rarely an option. Written by Anthony Leone and Ovsanna Yepremyan, the film centers around a criminal couple looking to escape the life they have known for far too long. It may be heavy on action, but it’s also surprisingly driven by character, consequence, and the slow realization that loyalty and trust are often in short supply when millions of dollars are involved.
The story follows Vincent (Mike Ferguson) and Maya (Twana Barnett), two hardened enforcers who have spent years doing jobs for Los Angeles crime boss Dante, played by Levee Duplay. Together, Vincent and Maya have built a reputation as a dependable, effective team, taking down targets and collecting cash without hesitation. But even the toughest criminals grow tired of living on the edge. Burnt out and worn down by the lifestyle, the pair plan their retirement after one last job. They agree to walk away from the violent world they’ve helped uphold.
That final job is organized by Lana (LeeAnne Bauer), Dante’s niece and a long-time associate of the couple. It should be a clean operation, simple and profitable. But when the job goes sideways, it becomes clear that the couple have walked into a setup. Dante, suspicious and increasingly unhinged, decides to eliminate any loose ends. Maya is taken, and Vincent is forced back into action to rescue her, setting the stage for a deadly confrontation.
What unfolds is a fast-paced, high-stakes journey through betrayal, deception, and shifting alliances. Along the way, Vincent finds himself working alongside former teammates and reluctant partners, including Jack (Cody Cowell) and Tommy (Trent James), both of whom are more than willing to carry out Dante’s orders. The job that was meant to be their way out becomes a violent and unpredictable struggle for survival.
What makes Last Hit stand out from many similar low-budget action films is the strength of its lead performances. Mike Ferguson carries much of the emotional weight as Vincent, a man torn between his violent past and a future he is no longer sure he deserves. Ferguson, who has built a steady reputation in the indie action scene, brings a quiet intensity to the role. Twana Barnett, a professional wrestler-turned-actress, brings power and presence to Maya. She isn’t a sidekick or a damsel; she is a fighter in her own right and just as capable as her partner.
LeeAnne Bauer is also a standout as Lana. Her character operates with her own agenda, caught between family loyalty and a desire to escape the shadows. As the story progresses, she becomes a key piece in a much larger and more dangerous puzzle. While Dante may be the one pulling the strings, Lana is the one who sees the bigger picture.
The supporting cast adds color and tension, especially Cody Cowell and Trent James, whose characters exude menace. Joe Davison appears briefly as a security guard, providing a short moment of levity before the violence returns. The performances are mostly solid, although some secondary characters are given less room to develop beyond standard roles.
Visually, Last Hit makes the most of its Los Angeles setting. Cinematographer Preston Weaver captures the city’s seedy underbelly with tight framing and clever use of shadow and space. The editing by Parks keeps the pace moving quickly, and the fight scenes, while never overly choreographed, feel brutal and grounded.
The score by Daniel Taranto deserves special mention. It adds tension without overwhelming the dialogue, and it works well with the film’s mood. Whether in a quiet confrontation or an explosive shootout, the music helps sell the stakes without calling attention to itself.
There are some flaws. A few of the narrative turns are predictable, and the dialogue in some places feels functional rather than memorable. There are also moments where the pacing jumps forward too quickly, especially in the second half, where the betrayals and counter-betrayals come fast and without much buildup. Still, none of these issues derail the film, and the overall execution shows a level of polish that exceeds the expectations of a low-budget feature.
Last Hit is not about reinventing the genre. It’s a focused, no-nonsense story about people trying to break free from a world that does not let go easily. It never drags, never meanders, and never forgets to keep the pressure on its characters. With convincing performances, especially from Ferguson, Barnett, and Bauer, and a tight script that gets to the point, Last Hit is a satisfying ride that delivers exactly what it promises.
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