After Everything

After Everything is a heartfelt romantic comedy-drama directed and written by the team of Hannah Marks and Joey Power. It premiered at the 2018 South by Southwest Film Festival under its original title "Shotgun," before receiving limited theatrical release later in the year. The movie features the talents of Jeremy Allen White, Olivia Luccardi, and Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei and beautifully captures the human experiences of love, vulnerability, and resilience amidst the harshest adversities.

Jeremy Allen White, well-known for his performance in Shameless, takes the lead role of Elliot, a twenty-something living an ordinary life in New York City. He spends much of his time partying and hanging out with his best friend, played by DeRon Horton. However, his life takes an unfortunate turn when he is suddenly diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, which becomes a critical pivot for both his life and the narrative of the movie.

The plot thickens when Elliot meets the vibrant and caring Mia, played by Olivia Luccardi, at a subway station. What starts out as a chance encounter soon deepens into a relationship when Mia becomes Elliot’s emotional pillar during his tumultuous journey of battling with cancer. They hastily decide to get married after a whirlwind romance, long before they've had the chance to experience the usual ups and downs of a relationship.

Their love story is punctuated with genuine, tender moments as well as laugh-out-loud instances of humor, painting a realistic picture of how love can both blossom and flounder even in the darkest of times. Their bond is only tested further as Elliot undergoes aggressive treatments, and both must navigate the strain this puts on their relationship and their individual lives.

Marisa Tomei takes on the role of Elliot's psychiatrist. Her presence adds depth and empathy to the narrative while offering a more experienced perspective on the trials and tribulations of Elliot and Mia's relationship. She helps them process their fear, frustrations, and the life-changing realities that a diagnosis like Elliot’s brings.

The title, After Everything, signifies the various tests of love and life the characters face 'after everything' they go through. The movie excels in making the audience appreciate the value of honest communication and the importance of support during tumultuous periods.

The narrative doesn't shy away from showing the harsh realities of dealing with a severe health crisis, and the anxiety, isolation, sadness, defeat, and even the ironic humor that can accompany such challenging times. The film appreciates that life is unpredictable, and so is love. Neither can be controlled or contoured which makes the journey thrilling but terrifying as well.

Jeremy Allen White and Olivia Luccardi deliver outstanding performances, bringing authenticity and a touching vulnerability to their roles. Their chemistry on-screen makes for a compelling and engaging watch, while Marisa Tomei delivers powerfully in her role. Set against the backdrop of the bustling city, the cinematography is visually delightful and adds much depth to the narrative.

The movie is just as much a story about love as it is about friendship. The bond between Elliot and his best friend, played by DeRon Horton, is as crucial to the plot as is Elliot's relationship with Mia. The evolution of friendship in the face of adversity is depicted wonderfully through their bonding.

While categorized as a romantic drama, After Everything does not follow the usual clichés of the genre. It is not just a story about love or cancer. The movie, instead, sheds light on humanity, kindness, and compassion during moments of crisis, with the illnesses serving as a backdrop to explore deeper emotional landscapes.

After Everything blends humor and heartfelt emotions seamlessly, resulting in a raw and authentic portrayal of life, love, and adversity. It raises questions about wholehearted love, survival, and the ever-so-fragile human condition, leaving the audience with thought-provoking nuggets that resonate long after the credits roll. It's a poignant, uplifting film that is bound to leave an enduring impression on its audience.