Afterdeath

Afterdeath, a riveting 2015 psychological thriller directed by Gez Medinger and Robin Schmidt, explores the profound themes of life after death, morality, and existentialism. Five strangers are thrust into a chilling journey through the unknown, ultimately forced to confront not only the harsh realities of their past, but the possibility of an eternal existence beyond the scope of their human understanding.

Co-written by Andrew Ellard, the film features a talented cast including Miranda Raison, Sam Keeley, and Elarica Johnson. Each performer fantastically portrays their character's diverse range of emotions and reactions while keeping audiences on their toes till the very end.

The story fires up on a hauntingly desolate beach with five young strangers who have no recollection of how they came to be there. Subsequently, they are thrust into a derelict and eerie beach house, the immediate landscape infused with a palpable and persistent sense of impending doom. From the onset, it's a tale of survival against invisible forces, as the group struggles against mysterious, haunted happenings around them.

Miranda Raison, known for her performances in gripping series like 'Spooks', commands a strong presence as Robyn, a highly educated character with a background in the sciences. She is keen to question and rationalize the inexplicably horrifying experiences the group encounters. Raison's portrayal of Robyn, a beacon of logic and rationality in the wave of strange occurrences, is a standout.

Sam Keeley, with his roles in 'Burnt' and 'Anthropoid', brings to life the character of Seb, a seemingly charming character but with secrets of his own. Elarica Johnson rounds out the lead trio, herself of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' fame, in the role of Patricia, a woman with a stormy past that refuses to let go. Together, they, along with their other companions, are trapped in a predicament that far transcends any of their individual issues.

As the characters grapple with their surroundings, they each face personal revelations, reconciling with unresolved aspects of their lives, their regrets, their sins, their virtues, and their relationships. As they are forced to confront the potential reality of their deaths, they face a harsh mirror, reflecting their true selves. These character-driven revelations weave into the narrative seamlessly, creating a complex tapestry of self-reflection, fear, and ultimately, growth.

Visually, 'Afterdeath' is a chilling spectacle thanks to Simon Dennis's brilliant cinematography. The stunning yet threatening beach landscapes, coupled with the decaying beach house and the ethereal visual effects, create a perfect backdrop for this tale of the afterlife. The film's ghostly entities are engagingly designed and manage to stand out amidst the desaturated color palette. All these elements coalesce to create an atmosphere that is not only frightening but almost hypnotically beautiful, providing a unique viewing experience.

Unlike many contemporary supernatural thrillers, Afterdeath refuses to rely solely on jump scares to horrify and engage its audience. Instead, it entrusts its psychological horror and uncanny essence to its story, its characters, their dialogue, and interactions. It's a smart choice, placing strong emphasis on the narrative while enhancing its ability to chill and discomfort.

Moreover, the soundtrack of the movie, under the direction of David Etherington, adds an additional layer of eeriness, blending perfectly with the suspenseful storyline. An oppressively haunting score that is melancholic, at times terrifying, assists in painting an intriguing picture of this purgatorial landscape.

In conclusion, Afterdeath is a chilling and thought-provoking rollercoaster that invites its audience into a realm beyond death, questioning morality, sin, and forgiveness. With its stellar cast, spectacular visuals, and potent script, it's a film that lingers long after the credits roll - an eerie reminder of life's impermanence, its virtues, vices, and the profound uncertainty of what lies beyond.