The Untold Story of Halyna Hutchins: New Rust Documentary Trailer Will Leave You Speechless

On October 21, 2021, the set of the Western film Rust became the center of a devastating and highly publicized tragedy. During a rehearsal at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico, actor Alec Baldwin discharged a prop firearm containing a live round, fatally striking cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.

The shocking accident quickly became a global media spectacle, with lawsuits, criminal investigations, and debates over on-set firearm safety dominating headlines for years. However, lost in the frenzy of legal battles and public scrutiny was the deeply personal and human story of Halyna Hutchins—a talented filmmaker whose promising career was tragically cut short.

Now, a new Hulu documentary, Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna, aims to shed light on the person behind the headlines, offering an intimate and emotional exploration of the incident and its aftermath. The film, directed by Hutchins’ close friend Rachel Mason, premieres on March 11, 2025.

An Intimate and Personal Perspective

Unlike previous news coverage, which largely focused on legal proceedings and blame, Last Take offers an in-depth, personal look at the impact of the tragedy on those closest to Halyna. Director Rachel Mason, who knew Halyna personally, uses never-before-seen footage, private archives, and firsthand accounts from those on set that day to reconstruct what happened and how those involved have coped in the aftermath.

The documentary delves into the deep grief experienced by Hutchins’ family, friends, and colleagues. It also explores the broader implications of the tragedy—raising important questions about film set safety, industry accountability, and the emotional toll on those left behind.

Through exclusive interviews and access to key individuals, Last Take moves beyond the tabloid-driven narrative and instead tells the story of a life lost, a community mourning, and a film industry grappling with systemic failures.

Examining the Investigations and Legal Fallout

In the wake of the accident, multiple investigations were launched to determine how a live round made its way onto a film set—a fundamental violation of standard safety protocols. The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office, FBI forensic experts, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) all conducted inquiries, leading to lawsuits and criminal charges.

Last Take meticulously examines the results of these investigations, detailing the official findings on firearm safety failures and lapses in responsibility. The documentary presents public court records and expert analyses to break down the complex legal proceedings that followed, including:

• The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Matthew Hutchins, Halyna’s husband, against Alec Baldwin and the Rust production team
• The criminal charges brought against Baldwin, armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, and other crew members
• The settlement agreements and industry-wide discussions about enforcing stricter safety measures on film sets

By weaving together these legal complexities with personal stories, the film provides a well-rounded perspective on the tragedy—one that is both investigative and deeply human.

Completing Halyna’s Final Film

Despite the tragedy, Rust was eventually completed, premiering at the Camerimage Film Festival in Poland in November 2024. Halyna’s widower, Matthew Hutchins, played a key role in ensuring that the film was finished in her honor. Director Joel Souza, who was injured in the shooting, returned to complete the project alongside cinematographer Bianca Cline.

Last Take explores the emotional journey of finishing Rust, highlighting how those involved viewed the completion of the film as a tribute to Halyna’s artistic vision. The documentary captures the pain, perseverance, and dedication of her colleagues as they worked to honor her legacy.

The Filmmakers Behind “Last Take”

Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna is a Hulu Original produced by a team of highly regarded filmmakers. The production team includes:

• Producers: Julee Metz, Kate Barry, Jon Bardin, and Will Cohen for Story Syndicate; Jessica Grimshaw, Nick Shumaker, and Jennifer Sears for Anonymous Content
• Executive Producers: Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Tommy Coriale (Story Syndicate); Lizzie Fox, Casey Meurer (Concordia Studio); David Levine (Anonymous Content); and Matthew Hutchins
• Director & Producer: Rachel Mason (FutureClown Productions)

This team brings together investigative storytelling expertise and a deeply personal connection to the subject, ensuring that Last Take is both emotionally compelling and journalistically rigorous.

A Story of Tragedy, Reflection, and Change

With its meticulous research, exclusive access, and deeply personal storytelling, Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna seeks to honor the life and work of Halyna Hutchins. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the need for accountability and safety reforms within the film industry.

By looking beyond the courtroom drama and media frenzy, the documentary restores dignity to a story that was too often reduced to a tabloid spectacle. In doing so, it offers an opportunity for healing, reflection, and, most importantly, a tribute to a filmmaker whose passion and talent left an indelible mark on those who knew her.

Viewers can watch Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna exclusively on Hulu starting March 11, 2025.