L'Après

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.

When I saw this short on my Netflix librabry I got really excited to watch it as it is nominated for the Oscars.

The first few minutes met my expectations with some gorgeous momenst of a father with is daughter. A few moments after that, a really forced and quite mediocre plot twist happens wich makes the action take place. Beyond this moment, the movie just turns into a low budget, mediocre movie about a guy that serves as a Uber driver for the London's most strange and unsual passangers. On the movies last moments we are contemplated with the most cliche couple arguing while the main character stares at the couple's daughter with some sad music in the background.

Overal, I got really disapointed about this movie as I was expecting for gold, and just got some low quality fool's gold.

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!!

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.

No pun intended - I have to admit, I knew nothing about this other than the title. And Netflix suggested it to me - so why not try it? I do like a good short movie - and this definitely can be called that. Especially with the casting (getting a major star - at least that's what I would call him) - that was quite genius.

But I am certain that the script was responsible for that. If you get a role you can really get into ... with such depth in a short amount of time .. why wouldn't you do it? This deals with pain and loss and a main character who needs to cope with a lot. How would you react? It is easy to say, well I would do this or that ... but it makes sense ... well the journey let's call it that our main "hero" takes ... and where he lands ... I thought he might do something different ... but life is not easy. And the others will not understand him or his reaction ... may even see him as crazy .. but he is not! We feel for and with him - those with empathy that is. You do not need to have been in that situation ... and I hope you have not been ... very well done in every regard!