Critics from outlets like the Salt Lake Tribune note that the film successfully looks past the tragic headlines to show the man behind the event. However, some reviewers find the narrative's structure—which heavily features flashbacks to Jones's courtship with his wife—to be slow-paced and sentimental to a fault.
“The Last Descent was always going to be a difficult task... the only thing that descended in the second and third acts was the film into a melodramatic and sentimental mess.” Letterboxd The Last Descent (2016) The Last Descent (2016)
While some find the cinematography and performances excellent, others highlight the "obviously low budget" and feel the acting can be "corny" or "cringe" at times. Critics from outlets like the Salt Lake Tribune
The film has received mixed reviews, often praised for its emotional weight and respectful portrayal of Jones's life, while being criticized for its low-budget execution and reliance on "sappy" dream sequences. Critical Perspective the only thing that descended in the second
“This movie is quite realistic showing what John went through during those 27 hours that he was stuck in the cave, including his hallucinations and conversations that he had with the rescuers and his wife.” Fandango