One of Hollywood’s most shocking tragedies is set to be explored in depth with the upcoming Hulu documentary, Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna. The film revisits the 2021 shooting accident on the set of Rust, which led to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins—a loss that sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
With director Rachel Mason at the helm, the documentary offers an emotional and deeply personal examination of the accident, featuring exclusive interviews with crew members who were on set that day. But beyond recounting the events, Last Take seeks to shed light on the human toll of the tragedy and the lasting impact it had on Hutchins’ colleagues, friends, and family.
The Day That Changed Hollywood
On October 21, 2021, a film set in Santa Fe, New Mexico, became the center of an unfolding nightmare. During a rehearsal, actor Alec Baldwin discharged a prop gun—one that unexpectedly contained a live round. The bullet struck Halyna Hutchins and wounded the film’s director, Joel Souza. Hutchins, a rising star in cinematography, tragically succumbed to her injuries.
The incident ignited widespread debate about on-set safety, gun protocols in filmmaking, and accountability within Hollywood productions. Since then, lawsuits, investigations, and industry reforms have followed, with Baldwin and other crew members facing legal proceedings.
While much has been reported about the legal ramifications, Last Take shifts the focus to those who knew and worked with Hutchins, revealing the emotional scars that remain.
A Personal Perspective From Those Who Were There
The documentary, directed by Rachel Mason—a close friend of Hutchins—promises a firsthand account unlike any before. Through interviews with Rust director Joel Souza, camera assistant Lane Luper, costume designer Terese Davis, and new cinematographer Bianca Cline, Last Take aims to capture the raw emotions of those directly affected.
In the first trailer released by Hulu, Souza reflects on the aftermath of the shooting, lamenting how the world became more fixated on the legal drama rather than honoring Hutchins’ life. His voiceover in the trailer states, “It was just an ugly frenzy, and they erased her from it.”
The documentary also incorporates never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage from Rust, police bodycam recordings from the immediate response, and extensive news coverage. By weaving these elements together, it presents an intimate and haunting retelling of the tragedy.
The Legacy of Halyna Hutchins
Halyna Hutchins was more than just a cinematographer—she was a visionary, a mother, and a colleague who inspired many. Before Rust, she had steadily built a reputation for her striking visual style and storytelling instincts, making her mark in independent filmmaking circles.
The documentary seeks to highlight her contributions to the industry and the devastating impact of her loss, ensuring that audiences never forget the vibrant person behind the headlines.
Her widowed husband, Matthew Hutchins, who became a prominent figure in the legal battle following her death, also plays a key role in the production of Last Take. As part of a settlement with Rust‘s producers, proceeds from the film’s sale will benefit Matthew and their young son. This decision underscores Hutchins’ enduring presence in the lives of those who loved her.
The Aftermath and the Industry Reckoning
Following the Rust incident, film and television productions have faced increased scrutiny regarding on-set firearm safety. The case has driven renewed calls for stricter policies, with many advocating for the complete elimination of real guns on sets in favor of digital effects.
While some studios have implemented tougher safety rules, Last Take raises the question: Have enough changes actually been made? Through emotional testimonies and extensive footage, the documentary forces audiences to reconsider Hollywood’s responsibilities when it comes to crew safety.
When and Where to Watch Last Take
Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna is set to premiere on Hulu on March 11, 2025. The film is produced by Julee Metz, Kate Barry, Jon Bardin, and Will Cohen for Story Syndicate, alongside Jessica Grimshaw, Nick Shumaker, and Jennifer Sears for Anonymous Content. Matthew Hutchins serves as an executive producer alongside other prominent industry names.
As the premiere date approaches, the documentary is already generating intense discussion. While many hope for legal closure from the ongoing Rust trials, Last Take reminds us that beyond the courtrooms and controversies, a young cinematographer lost her life—a tragedy that deserves to be remembered with dignity and depth.
Will this documentary change the way Hollywood handles safety? Will it provide long-awaited answers? As Last Take makes its debut, audiences will have to decide for themselves.
Final Thoughts
By revisiting one of the most heartbreaking incidents in recent Hollywood history, Last Take ensures that Halyna Hutchins is remembered not just as a victim, but as an artist and a person who touched many lives. With its deeply personal interviews and never-before-seen footage, the documentary could serve as both a tribute and a crucial wake-up call for the industry.
As Last Take premieres, one thing is certain: the conversation about safety on film sets is far from over.
Source: Hollywood Reporter