The Last Republican

In this age of political division, how can opponents find a starting point for dialogue? For Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, the answer is his favourite film, Hot Tub Time Machine. During the hardest year of his life, Kinzinger opens up to left-wing Hollywood director Steve Pink, despite their opposing political views. Their shared appreciation for a good laugh bonds the unlikely duo at a time when sectarianism is tearing apart traditional allies.

Kinzinger was elected to the US House of Representatives in 2011 as a Republican committed to upholding the conservative values rooted in his Midwest upbringing. During Donald Trump’s administration, he grew dismayed watching the GOP conform to extreme rhetoric. When Trump rallied his followers to besiege the US capital on January 6, 2021, Kinzinger was among 10 Republicans who voted to impeach the president for instigating an insurrection. He then served on the Congressional committee to investigate what had happened on January 6.

Standing up to Trump became a death blow to his congressional career. Members of Kinzinger’s own party made him a pariah, while extremists and trolls issued death threats to his family. The film follows Kinzinger over his final year in office as he withstands these pressures and wrestles with the consequences of staying true to his core values.

The Last Republican is bracing to watch in the months before the US votes on its political future. If there’s any hope for bipartisan discussion, it may start with a sense of humour.

THOM POWERS