The Afterlight

The Afterlight, directed by Craig Macneill and Alexei Kaleina, is a captivating drama from 2009 that starred the talented Michael Kelly, Jicky Schnee, and Ana Asensio. It is a haunting and atmospheric movie centered around a couple searching for a simpler life and how they find that dream unraveling before them.

The film is set in rural upstate New York and points out the pros and cons of escaping from urban life to the remote countryside. Robert (played by Michael Kelly) and Alexandra (played by Jicky Schnee) are a young urban couple who relocated to an abandoned schoolhouse in the country to get away from the fast-paced life of the city. Robert, a high school teacher with a love of poetry, hopes that the change of scenery will provide some inspiration. Meanwhile, Alexandra, who is pregnant with their first child, seeks solace and safety in the isolated environment.

Initially, they are enamored with their new home's idyllic setting and the prospect of living a self-reliant life close to nature. They begin their new adventure with optimism, believing they have found a perfect place to start their family. The old schoolhouse, despite its disarray, holds a certain rustic charm for them.

However, beneath the supposed tranquility and charm of the countryside, they soon discover an eerie and challenging existence that they weren't quite prepared for. The transition from their city lives to their new rural existence isn't as smooth as they envisioned. The abandoned schoolhouse seems to harbor melancholic secrets of its own that start to permeate their domestic bliss.

As the plot unfolds, the couple's interactions with the local community hint at an undercurrent of mystery and hostility. Kranz (played by Rip Torn) and Charlie (played by Ana Asensio), two of the local characters they encounter, greatly influence Robert and Alexandra's perception of their new home. These interactions explore different themes, ranging from hospitality to isolation, from inspiration to terror, evoking a full spectrum of emotions.

Michael Kelly, known for his role in the popular show House of Cards, delivers a powerful performance as Robert in The Afterlight. Kelly's portrayal of a man grappling with the transition from urban to rural life, while also preparing to become a father, resonates deeply, allowing viewers to empathize with his plights and challenges.

Equally riveting is Jicky Schnee's portrayal of Alexandra, a pregnant woman trying to navigate the uncertainties of her new surroundings while dealing with the anticipation of motherhood. Ana Asensio also adds another compelling layer to the narrative with her character Charlie, a local blind woman whose interaction with Robert and Alexandra adds tension and intrigue.

Shot in black and white, the film makes captivating use of its setting to invoke a chilling atmosphere. This stylistic choice heightens the feeling of isolation and showcases the stark beauty and loneliness of rural life. The shadowy barns, the open, snow-laden landscapes, and the desolate schoolhouse, all set under the vast, encompassing sky, contribute significantly to the film's overarching sense of uncertainty and unease.

The Afterlight offers a multi-layered, ambiguous narrative that leaves much room for interpretation and thought, much to its credit. It is a unique amalgamation of poetry, mystery, and rural reality that makes it a compelling watch and a rare find in today's times. The film's exploration of trying to find simplicity amid complexity, safety in the unknown, and solace in isolation speaks volumes about human psychology and the collective consciousness of society.

The Afterlight isn't just a movie; it is a profound study of human survival, ambition, and the various aspects of life that we can or cannot control. It is a subtle work of suspense with a poignant reflection upon life and its intricacies. The movie's pacing may be slow and deliberate, but it only strengthens the build-up of tension leading up to its conclusion. With its innovative storytelling and thoughtful character studies, this is a must-watch for those who appreciate suspense-filled narrative and thought-provoking cinema.