The Last Word

Looking for something that actually makes you laugh, available in the US on Netflix and Hulu, and in the UK on Amazon Prime Video? The Last Word delivers. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. With 377 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Shirley MacLaine is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Available now on Netflix — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Last Word is worth clearing space for. The Last Word gets the fundamentals right first, then finds room to get weird with it. A retired businesswoman – who tries to control everything around her – decides to write her own obituary. A young journalist takes up the task of finding out the truth, and the result is a life-altering friendship. The chemistry Shirley MacLaine and Amanda Seyfried bring to it does a lot of the heavy lifting. The Last Word came out in 2017. What keeps The Last Word from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, The Last Word respects your intelligence. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Shirley MacLaine sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.

The Last Word was released in 2017, directed by Mark Pellington. The full 108-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.