After

After is an intricate and brooding 2014 drama directed by Pieter Gaspersz and screenplay was penned by Sabrina Gennarino. The film is anchored by a ensemble cast, featuring noteworthy performances from Kathleen Quinlan, John Doman, and Pablo Schreiber. The narrative of After is woven with suspense and emotion, navigating through complex familial relationships, secrets, and the devastating impact of truths concealed.

Set against the backdrop of Rochester, New York, the film presents a slice of Americana, delivering a portrait of a middle-class family's struggles beset by undisclosed secrets and unresolved tension. The plot offers an engaging juxtaposition between the ordinariness of everyday life and the chilling undertone of secrets waiting to be unravelled.

Kathleen Quinlan gives an impressive, heart-wrenching performance as Nora Valentine, the matriarch of the family who is battling anxieties that her family does not know about. John Doman takes on the role of Mitch Valentine, the patriarch who painstakingly tries to create a harmonious environment at home amidst the complex circumstances. Their two children, a knee-slapper Max Valentine, brought to life by Pablo Schreiber, and a down-to-earth, kind-hearted Christian Valentine, played by Adam Scarimbolo, both add the right mix of character traits that make this family unit more relatable and authentic.

After delves into the intricacies of relationships within the Valentine family. The film brilliantly captures the minute nuances of family dynamics, showcasing how various elements of love, misunderstanding, resentment, and forgiveness weave the web of familial ties. The narrative tactfully unearths the paradox that lies in every family - the simultaneous fragility and strength of relationships within this primary social unit.

One of the unique elements of After is its enhanced realism brought about by the exceptional cinematography. Paired with deliberately paced editing and thoughtful art direction that gives an authentic representation of middle-class living, the production design effectively sets the tone for the narrative. The dilapidated bus and the snow-covered scenery symbolize the prevailing undertones in the Valentine family, adding to a sense of foreshadowing.

The noteworthy use of sound design and score in the film intensifies the emotional quotient of After. Each sound meticulously punctuates pivotal moments, while the haunting score composed by The Newton Brothers adds extra depth to the unfolding narrative, improving overall comprehension of the story's themes and undertones.

At its core, After is about a family with its share of skeletons in the closet, struggling with an unspeakable past. The carefully constructed plot impresses upon viewers through dramatic reveals and electrifying moments, making it an undeniably compelling watch.

The breakfast scene, where the family engages in friendly banter, skillfully masks the undercurrent of tension flowing beneath the harmonious facade. Scenes of brotherly camaraderie between Max and Christian are touching and serve as a testament to an unspoken bond that goes beyond their apparent differences.

The performances by the lead cast are commendable, each playing their part in smoothly unraveling the complex narrative puzzle. Quinlan is riveting as the anguished mother, while Doman perfectly embodies the stoicism and helplessness a father must maintain in the face of adversity. Schreiber and Scarimbolo are equally compelling in their respective roles, helping to anchor the emotional heft of the film.

After is a powerful examination of secrets, identity, and familial bonds, presented through engaging storytelling, fine performances, and artistic technical work. It's a cinematic journey that might lead one to probe their relationships and past, eventually provoking the question - how well do we truly know our family? It's not just a movie; it's an intimate exploration of human emotions and familial bonds, making After a meaningful and poignant viewing experience.