In a moving and endlessly humane documentary “Last Flight Home” Director Ondi Timoner captured the last days of his father’s life. Her father, Eli Timoner, chose to die in California at the age of 92. End of Life Option Lawall that was required at that time was a 15-day waiting period after the patient first made a verbal request to the doctor for near-death medication.
“Last Flight Home” is more than just a countdown, but it’s clearly that. Eli is questioned by doctors and counselors. Ondi and the rest of the family manage the logistics, including trying to find a cup and straw that Eli, who has to medicate herself, can hold in her immobilized state. (Confined to bed, he had congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and was partially paralyzed by a stroke at age 53.)
But more than it’s a procedure, “Last Flight Home” tells Eli’s wife of more than 50 years, Lisa Timoner, the “unrealism” of what happens when Eli says goodbye to his life. is a record of what we call Loved ones and friends are often on video calls due to Covid — we know the final date.
Shot on a discreet camera, Ondy appeared in a surprisingly intimate portrait of Eli and his family, including Ondy’s two brothers, Rachel and David Timoner, partners, and children. Day of her death or not, Eli still needs to see Rachel Maddow. When asked how she feels about being on the mic all the time, Eli jokingly said she doesn’t want to “cross directors.”
Near the end, Ondy lets Lisa sit quietly with Eli to spend time. Rabbi Rachel Timoner helps him remove the lingering burden of shame. “Last Flight” is both a memorial to Eli, the last member of a generation to die, and, almost coincidentally, a philosophical discussion of how to better deal with death.
Last Flight Home
Unrated. Running time: 1 hour 41 minutes. at the theater.