In Ondi Timoner's stunning documentary Last Flight Home, viewers are given the gift of spending time with Eli Timoner and his family. While the film is structured around the last weeks of his life - after he decides to pursue his right to California's end of life option - what unfolds is a celebration of a life well lived. Eli Timoner was a philanthropic and business icon in Miami. He started Air Florida, which became the fastest growing airline in the world at the time. When his wife Lisa first saw him, she thought he was beautiful. They had three children, Rachel, Ondi and David, and life was magical until an injury disabled him. Showcasing her award-winning storytelling skills, Ondi Timoner provides us a seat right next to her family so that we too bear witness to how they reconciled celebrating life in the shadow of a death chosen. And it is through this unflinching intimacy that Ms. Timoner allows us to discover the universality of their experience. We see our own parents, children and siblings, sharing stories and experiencing moments of joy, sadness, regret and even laughter. While his body is failing, Eli's mind is sharp and his quick wit provides many moments of levity in the film. We also have the privilege of watching him say goodbye and dropping pearls of wisdom to the many people in his life whom he touched. Keeping watch throughout the film, Eli's wife prefers to stay in the background. She is happiest when witnessing the organized chaos of her large family, like a conductor who knows that her orchestra is in pitch perfect tune. Team T, as they call themselves, will renew your faith in what we can do for each other in life and in death. It is fitting that Eli Timoner started an airline because he will take you on a journey that will have your soul soaring.
Review of Last Flight Home
