Game of Thrones: The Last Watch

Game of Thrones: The Last Watch follows filmmaker Jeanie Finlay as she documents the creation of the iconic series’ ambitious and very expensive final season, with Finlay’s in-depth approach ensuring that virtually every facet of the production is covered throughout a briskly-paced 114 minute running time – including pre-shoot meetings, the building of incredibly expansive sets, and performers being transformed into their respective characters. It’s clear almost instantly that Game of Thrones: The Last Watch has been designed to appeal primarily to fans of the long-running show, as the movie’s up-close-and-personal sensibilities, coupled with its willingness to divulge key plot elements from season eight, ensure that neophytes will find little here worth wholeheartedly embracing – although, by that same token, it’s clear that the inherently fascinating emphasis on production’s behind-the-scenes exploits proves exceedingly (and difficult) to resist. And while it is slightly disappointing that Finlay generally eschews the filming of the show itself, Game of Thrones: The Last Watch benefits substantially from its heavy focus on the ongoing efforts of the series’ below-the-line cadre of performers and crew (including a personable superfan-turned-extra and the program’s Head of Snow) – which ultimately does cement its place as a mostly-engrossing peek into the incredible work that goes into making a top-rated television show.

*** out of ****

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