After the Reality

Set in the glitzy world of reality television, After the Reality is a charmingly offbeat 2016 dramatic comedy film directed by David Anderson. The movie beckons the viewer into a compelling narrative that is interspersed with an intriguing combination of humor, melancholy, and poignant emotion, making it a thought-provoking exploration of reality television and its consequences.

Starring Matthew Morrison, Sarah Chalke, and Jon Dore, the film strikes a fine balance between heart-wrenching drama and relatable comedy. Morrison plays Scottie, an earnest yet somewhat washed-out bachelor looking to spice up his life by participating in a reality dating show titled "Young Bucks,” a parody of the popular real-life reality show "The Bachelor." Scottie's world is filled with glitz, glamour and a bevy of beautiful women vying for his attention - a seemingly perfect escape from the mundane routine of his off-screen life.

The narrative is creatively woven together with elements of reality and fiction. It doesn't merely ridicule the superficiality of reality television but digs deeper, examining the emotional turmoil that lies beneath the manufactured drama and the impact it has on the participants’ lives.

Complementing Morrison, Sarah Chalke plays Kate, Scottie’s level-headed, big-hearted, and often exasperated sister. Scottie's audition sees him abandoning his sister and their ailing father, causing a significant rift between the siblings. The tension between Scottie and Kate unfolds throughout the film, with Chalke providing an excellent counterbalance to Morrison’s character.

Jon Dore delivers a fantastic performance as the show's producer, Fitz, a manipulative puppet-master who skillfully nudges the show's contestants into scenarios that promise the highest drama and viewer ratings. His character is the cynosure of the artificial manipulations that characterize the reality TV industry.

The film uniquely utilizes reality show clips interspersed with Scottie's real-life narrative, showing us the man behind the persona, as well as the effects of being thrust into this surreal world on his psyche. The viewer gets to see exactly how the reality television landscape works, peeling back the curtain on a world that is often glossed over in mainstream cinema.

The cinematography beautifully captures the dichotomy of Scottie’s on-camera and off-camera lives, using bright, vivid colors for his reality show life and more subdued, natural hues for his real-life scenes. The soundtrack accentuates the mood, using upbeat tunes for the reality show and more somber notes for the real world.

Australian actress Laura Bell Bundy plays Kelly, the primary love interest of the bachelor on the reality show. She brings vibrant energy to her role, with an overdose of charm, easily switching between reality diva and genuine down-to-earth woman, adding depth to her character.

After the Reality intelligently critiques and satirizes the world of reality television, exploring the toll it takes on its participants' emotional wellbeing and personal relationships. Simultaneously, it deals with themes of grief, estrangement, and familial bonds. Despite the inherently comedic premise of a man's life veering off track after a stint on a reality dating show, the film packs an emotional punch. It digs deep into the complex relationships and emotional baggage of the characters, contrasting it with the shallow, dramatic world of reality TV.

A movie that is both funny and endearing, After the Reality gives a fresh take on the discussion around reality TV. It’s not a simple critique or satire, but a humane story that explores themes such as grief, family, and the elusive search for love.

Matthew Morrison delivers a critically acclaimed performance, showcasing his versatility as an actor. A blend of comedy and drama, the film is a charming package that offers an enjoyable adventure into the world of reality television while exploring raw, human emotions. After the Reality is a testament to the scope of independent cinema, inviting the audience to laugh, cry, and reflect deeply on life’s unpredictable twists and turns. In a thoughtful and entertaining way, it prompts us to question the nature of a reality wrapped in the guise of entertainment and the impact it can have on real, off-screen lives.