Hulu’s upcoming documentary, “Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna“, takes a heartfelt and sensitive look at the tragic events surrounding the “Rust” shooting on October 21, 2021. On that day, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life after a prop gun, fired by Alec Baldwin, went off on set.
Directed by Rachel Mason, a close friend and collaborator of Halyna’s, this documentary aims to honor her legacy and offer a deeper understanding of the tragedy beyond the media frenzy.
Here is what Rachel Mason said about the film. She wrote, “Halyna was dear to me for many reasons. Not only was she a friend, she was a collaborator. While she was alive, I could never have imagined making a film about her. My hope was to make films with her, and to support her in all the many films that she was sure to make.
In the media frenzy which followed her death, it felt as if Halyna was erased, her loss eclipsed by the surrounding controversies. Our film aims to keep her at the center, while offering a portrait of the experience of those with whom she spent her final 12 days, which hopefully, through their efforts, offers the world a very much unfinished portrait of Halyna.”
“Last Take”: A Personal Reflection
Rather than focusing solely on the controversy, “Last Take” paints a personal, emotional portrait of Halyna—an immensely talented and passionate artist whose life was cut short. It explores the events of that fateful day, shedding light on the breakdown of safety protocols and the ripple effect it had on the film industry.
Through candid interviews with those who knew Halyna, the documentary offers a powerful reminder of the human cost behind the headlines. Premiering on March 11th, the film not only memorializes Halyna’s contribution to cinematography but also sparks a broader conversation about safety and accountability on film sets.
It’s a tribute to a rising star whose legacy continues to inspire, and a sobering look at the need for change in Hollywood to prevent such tragedies from happening again. The film is set to premiere on March 11 on Hulu.
