In the contemporary era of constant connectivity, the premise of the 2023 Turkish romantic film “Last Call for Istanbul” might strike viewers as implausible. The plot hinges on a woman, who, somewhat inexplicably, packs her active cellphone in her checked luggage during an international flight. This setup leads to her bag being swapped at a New York airport, setting the stage for the ensuing romance. Directed by Gonenc Uyanik and penned by Nuran Evren Sit, the film navigates through this unusual scenario with mixed success.
The movie introduces us to Serin (played by Beren Saat), who finds herself in a predicament when she lands in New York. Her suitcase, containing her phone and purse, is accidentally exchanged. Kivanç Tatlitug portrays Mehmet, a stranger from the same flight who comes to her aid. Serin, despite carrying a large purse, laments the loss of her phone, a detail that might leave the audience questioning the narrative's logic.
As the story unfolds, Mehmet and Serin embark on an adventurous night in New York City, engaging in activities that are taboo back in Turkey, with the intention of parting ways the following day. However, as expected in romantic narratives, their fleeting encounter sparks a deeper connection. Despite the attractiveness of the lead actors, their on-screen chemistry falls short, diminishing the film's romantic allure. Mehmet's character, in particular, is marred by subtle but unsettling micro-aggressions, which are later attributed to his backstory in a somewhat forced attempt at redemption.
“Last Call for Istanbul” often gets bogged down by its lengthy and uninspiring dialogues, interspersed with attempts at injecting humor and fun, which often miss the mark. The second half of the film shifts gears dramatically, delving into a tale of a troubled relationship. A therapist's intervention, portrayed as a quick fix to deep-seated issues, comes across as overly simplistic and unrealistic.
The film's climax, while predictable, follows the well-trodden path of a last-minute airport dash, a trope familiar to the genre. Although the title “Last Call for Istanbul” hints at this conclusion, its execution feels clichéd and could have been approached with more originality. The movie, despite its attempts at romance and comedy, struggles to resonate deeply with its audience.
In essence, “Last Call for Istanbul” navigates through the familiar terrains of romantic comedy but fails to leave a lasting impression. The lack of chemistry between the leads, coupled with a narrative that swings between the implausible and the clichéd, makes it a film that might only appeal to die-hard fans of Kivanç Tatlitug and Beren Saat. For those seeking a compelling love story, this film may not strike the desired chord.
