Those Left Behind

Those Left Behind is a poignant, evocative, and profoundly human drama film released in 2016 woven around the complex knot of familial relationships and interwoven with the profound theme of mental health.

Directed by prolific film director Maria Finitzo, the film navigates the emotional undercurrents of a family quaked and forever altered by a tragic event.

Distinguished actress Daphne Zuniga, best known for her roles in Melrose Place and One Tree Hill, heralds this film as the leading actress. Zuniga seamlessly transforms into the troubled but resilient character of Suzanne, a woman haunted by the ghost of her troubled past. The struggles of her character are subtly portrayed, showing a manifestation of post-trauma significantly impacting her lives.

Opposite of Zuniga, Michael Hogan, widely known for his role as Colonel Saul Tigh in the acclaimed television series Battlestar Galactica, plays the role of her husband, Harvey. Hogan takes up the challenging task of depicting a man torn between his inherent duty to comfort his emotionally scarred wife and moving forward past the deep chasms of the tragedy that had enveloped them a decade ago. The juxtaposition of his composed exterior versus the inner turmoil he conceals is powerfully portrayed by the veteran actor.

Sprightly Jack Griffo, famous for his role in Nickelodeon's The Thundermans, completes this ensemble with his role as Ryan, their son. Griffo enriches the narrative with his realistic interpretation of a young man grappling with the latent effects of an event that robbed him of childhood innocence too early and the still persistent gripping family trauma.

Those Left Behind delves into the all-too-human truth that the face of grief is individual and distinctive. It paints a stirring picture of the long, winding road to healing and confronts viewers with the poignant reality that, at times, a family cornerstone can often be hidden under the detritus of an unsolved emotional puzzle which pulls apart and yet inexplicably ties the family together. Set against a small-town backdrop, the film uses its hushed, quiet settings to display the turmoil air that the characters inhale and exhale.

The film offers an empathetic exploration into an often misunderstood world of mental health. It plunges into the depths of human resilience, emotional scars, nostalgia, and the redemptive power of forgiveness. The narrative also acknowledges the echoing solitude that follows profound sadness and communicates that as a universal language that transcends the cinematic screen and resonates within the viewer's core. Finitzo also infuses the film with remarkable subtleness and delicateness, allowing viewers to internalize the themes rather than feel preached to or overwhelmed.

Juxtaposing the tranquility of their physical environment with the chaos whispering beneath the surface of their lives, the cinematography stands as a notable addition to the narrative's richness. The tranquil blue skies, lush greenery, and the ocean waves crashing against the shore spun into the many dramatic scenes are contrasted by the uneasy calm that envelops the central characters; encapsulating the external peace and internal turmoil permeating the lives of Suzanne, Harvey, and Ryan.

The film does not shy away from embracing the complexities of the human mind. Instead, it directly immerses its viewers into the narrative. Those Left Behind leverages raw emotions, through the commendable performances of its ensemble cast, to craft a realistic portrayal of life after tragedy.

The underlying themes of Those Left Behind will resonate with audiences long after they've left the theatre and the credits have rolled. Ultimately, it's a touching narrative about loss, guilt, acceptance, and how individuals and families find ways to live, love, forgive and keep their heads above water even when the waves of the past crash relentlessly against the shores of their present.

In essence, Those Left Behind is a heart-wrenching, yet uplifting narrative that unfolds slowly and strikes a chord with its stark depiction of the reality waiting for us beyond the rainbows of joy. It unveils how, when it comes to our past, we might have to unpack rather than ignore the luggage it offloads at our doorsteps. It is a powerful reminder that the journey towards healing starts with confronting, not evading, our past.