Timothy Spall Shines in Bittersweet Journey of Love and Loss inThe Last Bus
Have you ever watched a film that quietly tugs at your heart without fanfare? That’s exactly the kind of emotional journey The Last Bus offers. And if you haven’t seen it yet, you’ve got a chance to catch it tonight on BBC Two at 11 PM—or stream it anytime on BBC iPlayer.
The Last Bus , originally released in 2021, stars the incredibly talented Timothy Spall in a role that’s both deeply moving and quietly powerful. He plays Tom, an elderly widower who sets off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey—traveling all the way from John o’ Groats in Scotland to Land’s End in Cornwall. And no, he’s not hopping on a plane or even taking a car. Tom makes the entire trip using his free bus pass. It sounds simple, but the reason behind his trip is anything but. He’s carrying the ashes of his beloved late wife, keeping a promise they made to each other: to scatter her ashes where they first met and shared their happiest memories.
This isn’t just a physical journey—it’s an emotional pilgrimage. Along the way, Tom touches the lives of those he meets, and in turn, he becomes an unexpected social media sensation. His quiet strength, his grief, and his humanity are beautifully portrayed by Spall, who gives a masterclass in understated acting.
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Directed by Gillies MacKinnon and written by Joe Ainsworth, The Last Bus has received mixed reviews from critics, but audiences have found something undeniably touching in its simplicity. Cinemalogue praised it for championing the kindness we owe our elders and applauded Spall’s performance for carrying the film’s emotional weight. Film Threat called it a reminder to cherish our loved ones while we still can. Of course, not everyone was won over—the Observer described it as a “plodding” road-trip film. But honestly? That unhurried pace feels true to Tom’s world—a man taking his time, both in grief and in honoring love.
Adding to the appeal, the film also stars Phyllis Logan, familiar to many as Mrs. Hughes from Downton Abbey . Their performances anchor a film that’s part tearjerker, part heartwarming drama.
If you’re already a Timothy Spall fan—especially if you’ve been enjoying him in the hit BBC comedy Death Valley —then this film is a perfect showcase of his range. In Death Valley , he plays the eccentric actor John Chapel, but The Last Bus is where you see the quiet gravity he brings to drama.
So tonight, if you're in the mood for something sincere, touching, and deeply human, The Last Bus is worth your time. It's not just a story about one man's journey—it's a poignant reflection on memory, loss, and how we keep our promises, even when the road is long.
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