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A new film is putting the struggles of Gen Z under a microscope, capturing a single, sweltering day in London that marks both an ending and a beginning. Last Swim, the feature debut of director Sasha Nathwani, follows a group of teenagers navigating life-changing choices on A-Level results day—one final moment of pure freedom before adulthood pulls them in different directions.
At the heart of the film is Ziba, played by Deba Hekmat, a British Iranian teen with big dreams and an uncertain future. Alongside her friends, she embarks on a whirlwind journey through the city, filled with moments of joy, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
For Nathwani, Last Swim isn't just a coming-of-age film; it's a reflection of how the world has shifted for young people. "When I was 17 or 18, London didn't feel inaccessible," he says. "But now? I don't even know how a young person can afford to have a 24-hour period of freedom without breaking the bank."
The film was written during the Covid-19 pandemic, a time when young people lost crucial formative years to lockdowns. Nathwani and co-writer Helen Simmons were inspired by the idea of youth reclaiming their stolen time. "We watched young people hanging out in parks, knowing the world could shut down again tomorrow. It made us wonder—if you had one perfect day, how would you spend it?"
But while Last Swim is a celebration of youth, it doesn't shy away from the realities of modern life. A 2023 study from Oxford University found that young people's mental health deteriorated significantly during the UK's three lockdowns. In addition, recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show that one in seven 16-24-year-olds are not in education, work, or training.
The cast, made up largely of Gen Z actors, had a major role in shaping the film's authenticity. "We gave them the freedom to tweak dialogue and challenge our choices," Nathwani says. "This isn't just a story about Gen Z—it was shaped by them."
Shot during the UK's 2022 heatwave, the film captures London's vibrant yet unforgiving nature, with scenes filmed in Portobello Road, Hampstead Heath, and Primrose Hill. As independent cinema fights to reconnect with younger audiences, Last Swim offers something rare: a raw, real, and deeply personal look at the fleeting magic of youth.
