The After

It's most impressive how much emotion this short film manages to pack in its brief 18-minute runtime. Misan Harriman's "The After" is a rather modest film, with a simple scenario, yet is communicated effectively so as to evoke a brooding sense of grief. Lead actor David Oyelowo delivers a compelling performance as a father processing the grief of losing his wife and daughter to an unexpected stabbing attack, with all the maturity and subtlety the subject matter demands, and it's mostly his performance that makes this film as effective as it is. While a summary of the plot might make it seem like something we've already seen before, it is the performances that make this short film stand out.

"The After" is truly an emotional journey, capturing the essence of grief in a raw and genuine manner. It conveys a profound message about loss that stays with you long after viewing.

Oyewolo's standout performance as Dayo (under Misan Harriman's masterful direction) speaks to the human condition and resonated deeply with me. The film's cinematography paints a melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere, making each frame a visual poetry.

The narrative, while poignant, also offers moments of light, subtly reminding us of the strength that lies n resilience and hope. With its intricate storytelling and powerful performances, "The After" stands as a testament to the beauty and complexity of human emotions. A cinematic masterpiece not to be missed.

Despite its 16 minute length, I was left with the feeling that there needs to be more source material for this to engage. On the plus side however the acting is good and convincing - a strong show from an unheard-of cast. The depiction of Londoners as hollow, cold, insular and socially worthless husks was very close to the bone, causing my second strongest emotion while watching this to be one of validation in emigrating from the UK. The film itself is of course a vehicle to both build up to and lend weight to the finale, which is poignant and potent enough to be memorable and debatable long after the film ends. Six stars.

David Oyelowo puts in Academy Award winning performance in this short movie. Spend 18 minutes that will redraw your entire perspective of those around you and where you belong.

His grief is visceral. It will grab you from the opening scene and carries you through "The After" until the end delivers the gut punch that will leave you wondering "How come I didn't know about this piece of film making?". Afterwards, you start reevaluating your own priorities. Many films have tackled this topic but none as beautifully as this one.

All I can say is take the time to watch. You will not regret it.

A masterful piece of acting ... in 18 minutes!!

After losing a family member to a violent crime, a shattered rideshare driver picks up a passenger who forces him to confront his grief.

Short, but deep and painful, what is the meaning of life after we have stupidly and unfairly lost the only two important people in our lives? What is the point of continuing to live? I always ask myself these questions, which always go unanswered when I watch something so cruel and dramatic like this... They say that the pain doesn't diminish, we just reframe it, but how? Simple and magnificent production, well executed, and with a message of hope at the end...