“Aftermath” (2017) presents a gripping narrative where Arnold Schwarzenegger showcases his dramatic range as a man grappling with the loss of his family in a tragic mid-air collision. The film focuses on themes of grief, regret, and the struggle for forgiveness.
In contrast, the 2021 “Aftermath” explores a young couple’s terrifying experiences in a new home filled with inexplicable and disturbing events. This horror-thriller dives into the dark past of their dream house, unsettling the viewers with each revelation.
Viewers will find that both films approach the concept of aftermath differently. Where the 2017 film leans towards intense emotional drama, the 2021 release capitalizes on suspense and horror. Each narrative offers a unique take on coping with traumatic experiences, making them intriguing choices for fans of drama and horror alike.
Aftermath Movie Overview
Aftermath is a thriller film released in 2017. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, who takes on a more dramatic role than usual. The film is directed by Elliott Lester and written by Javier Gullon.
The plot revolves around Roman Melnyk, played by Schwarzenegger. Roman’s life takes a drastic turn when his family dies in a mid-air collision. He is consumed by grief and obsessed with finding someone to blame.
Jake, the air traffic controller on duty during the crash, experiences trauma and guilt. His life also spirals out of control as he deals with the aftermath of the tragic event.
Both characters’ stories intertwine, exploring themes of loss, grief, and the search for justice. The film balances both men’s perspectives, showing their emotional struggles.
Other major cast members include Scoot McNairy and Maggie Grace. They help bring depth to the characters and add to the emotional weight of the story.
Critics have noted that Schwarzenegger’s performance is compelling, with some saying it shows a different side of his acting skills. Despite this, the film received mixed reviews. Some felt it lacked strong dialogue and memorable scenes.
Aftermath is based on real events, which adds a layer of authenticity and emotional impact to the narrative. The movie attempts to handle deep emotional and psychological issues in a real-life context.
Plot Summary
The movie “Aftermath” begins with a tragic event. A woman is fatally shot by her husband, who then kills himself. The next day, Kevin Dadich and his crew of construction workers clean the house.
Kevin lives a simple life with his wife, Natalie. They are trying to move on from past troubles and start anew. They decide to move into the house where the tragedy occurred.
Strange events begin to happen. Natalie notices bizarre occurrences and starts feeling uneasy. She suspects someone is entering their home without their knowledge.
While investigating, they discover hidden secrets about the house. A stranger has been secretly living there, causing the eerie events.
This stranger had been visiting the house after seeing an advertisement. His actions reveal the dark past of the property and the previous owners. The movie delves into themes of grief, loss, and the quest for closure.
The tension builds as Kevin and Natalie confront their fears and uncover the truth. The narrative focuses on their psychological struggle and the unraveling mystery of the house.
The climax reveals the stranger’s motive and connection to the house’s history. Kevin and Natalie must face the reality of their situation and find a way to move forward.
Cast and Characters
The 2021 film Aftermath features a notable cast, with performances that bring complexity to the story. Both the lead roles and supporting characters add depth to the narrative.
Lead Performances
Ashley Greene stars as Natalie Dadich, a fashion designer who, along with her husband, moves into a house with a troubling past. Greene is best known for her role as Alice Cullen in the Twilight series. In this film, she portrays Natalie as both fragile and strong, struggling to rebuild her life.
Shawn Ashmore plays Kevin Dadich, Natalie’s husband. Ashmore is recognizable from his role as Iceman in the X-Men series. His character, Kevin, works in a blue-collar job and is determined to make his marriage work despite the eerie occurrences in their new home. Ashmore’s performance captures Kevin’s desperation and commitment.
Supporting Roles
Jason Liles appears as Otto, adding a layer of mystery to the story. Liles is notable for his physical performances, having worked in films like Rampage and Men in Black: International where he often portrays creatures.
Britt Baron plays Dani, Natalie’s supportive sister. Baron brings a sense of warmth and relatability to her role, known for her work in the series GLOW.
The ensemble cast creates a rich, engaging atmosphere by portraying a variety of complex emotions and relationships. Their performances significantly contribute to the film’s suspenseful and eerie tone.
Direction and Style
Elliott Lester directed “Aftermath,” a film that focuses on character depth and psychological realism instead of the usual action-packed fare associated with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The film’s visual style is subdued, employing a muted color palette that underscores the somber and contemplative themes. It aims to draw the audience into the emotional weight of the narrative.
Lester’s choice of camera angles and close-ups emphasizes the characters’ emotions and reactions, making the audience feel the intense grief and anger experienced by the protagonists. This approach highlights the movie’s emotional core.
In terms of pacing, Lester opts for a slower, more deliberate tempo. This allows for a deeper exploration of the characters’ inner lives and provides a stark contrast to the more frantic pacing seen in typical action movies.
Lighting in the film is strategically used to enhance the mood. Low lighting and shadows play a significant role in creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the story.
The direction also cleverly uses sound design. The minimalist score and ambient sounds serve to heighten the sense of isolation and grief that pervades the film. Silence is often employed to powerful effect, underscoring key emotional moments.
Visually and narratively, Lester’s style ensures that “Aftermath” is more than just a typical revenge drama. It seeks to engage the audience through its careful attention to the emotional and psychological intricacies of its narrative and characters. This approach differentiates it from other films in Schwarzenegger’s filmography.
Cinematography
The cinematography of Aftermath plays a crucial role in setting the film’s somber mood and tone. Directed by Elliott Lester, the visual elements emphasize the internal struggles of the characters.
Lighting is used to highlight the melancholic and contemplative nature of the story. Dim lighting and shadows often surround Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character, symbolizing his grief and inner turmoil.
Camera angles are thoughtfully chosen to enhance the emotional weight of scenes. Close-ups focus on characters’ expressions, drawing viewers into their emotional world. Wide shots, on the other hand, capture the bleakness and desolation of the settings.
The use of color palettes is another significant aspect. Muted colors dominate the screen, reinforcing the film’s grave atmosphere. This choice of colors aligns with the narrative’s serious themes and the overall mood of the movie.
In addition, the forests and natural landscapes filmed create a stark contrast between the serene environment and the chaotic emotions of the characters. This contrast deepens the audience’s connection to the storyline.
Visual metaphors are prevalent throughout the film. For example, broken mirrors and shattered glass symbolize the characters’ fragmented lives and broken spirits.
In summary, the cinematography in Aftermath is deliberately crafted to complement its narrative, focusing on lighting, camera angles, color palettes, and visual metaphors to enhance the story’s emotional depth and meaning.
Script and Dialogue
The script of Aftermath follows a straightforward plot with an American couple trying to rejuvenate their relationship by moving into a new house. Directed by Peter Winther, the film is loosely based on actual events. The simplicity of the storyline allows viewers to focus on the tension and mystery within the house.
Dialogue in Aftermath is functional but lacks depth. Characters often state the obvious and sometimes rely on clichés. This can make the conversations feel predictable.
Strengths:
- Clear and direct exchanges between characters
- Efficiently conveys essential plot points
Weaknesses:
- Limited character development through dialogue
- Occasional use of repetitive phrases and cliché expressions
To illustrate, the characters often discuss their strained relationship in a manner that feels almost too straightforward, missing opportunities for more nuanced exploration. The film’s tension relies more on the unfolding plot than on intricate dialogue.
“It’s just the house playing tricks on us,” Kevin says, trying to calm his wife, Natalie.
While the dialogue helps move the story along, it lacks memorable quotes or standout moments. The focus remains on delivering the plot clearly rather than creating dialogue that resonates deeply with the audience.
For a more engaging experience, viewers might have appreciated more cleverly written dialogue that expands on the emotional journeys of the characters. As it stands, the script serves its purpose but does not elevate the film significantly.
Themes and Motifs
Grief and Loss
The movie Aftermath primarily explores the intense emotions of grief and loss. The protagonist grapples with the sudden and tragic death of his family, which becomes the central focus of the plot. This theme is deeply woven into his actions and decisions throughout the film.
Revenge
Revenge is another significant theme. The protagonist’s quest for justice drives much of the movie. His pursuit of the air traffic controller responsible for the accident shows how grief can fuel a dangerous desire for retribution.
Forgiveness
While revenge takes center stage, the film also touches on the theme of forgiveness. The character’s journey suggests the possibility of overcoming anger and finding peace. His struggle to forgive can be seen as a counterpoint to the destructive nature of revenge.
Isolation
Isolation is a motif that recurs in the film. The protagonist often finds himself alone, both physically and emotionally. This underscores the personal nature of his grief and highlights the difficulty of processing loss in solitude.
Psychological Trauma
The movie delves into psychological realism, portraying the mental impact of tragedy on the main character. His emotional and mental state deteriorates as he confronts the haunting memories of his family’s death.
Redemption
Redemption appears subtly in the narrative. The protagonist’s actions reflect a search for closure and a resolution to his turmoil. This theme suggests that even in the darkest moments, there may be a path to personal redemption.
Family and Relationships
Family and relationships are central to Aftermath. The protagonist’s love and loss of his family drive the entire story. The fragile nature of relationships and the enduring impact of loved ones are important aspects of the film.
Soundtrack and Musical Score
The soundtrack for the thriller “Aftermath” features original music composed by Sacha Chaban. Known for his work on films like Darkness Falls and Redemption Day, Chaban’s compositions set the mood for the film’s intense scenes.
Released by 1908 Scoring Studios, the album contains a collection of pieces that blend suspense and emotion.
The soundtrack was made available for digital download and streaming on August 5, 2021, across all major digital music platforms such as Amazon and Spotify. The album includes a variety of tracks that underscore key moments in the film’s plot.
Sacha Chaban’s compositions have been praised for enhancing the film’s psychological drama. The intricate scores help build tension and elevate the storytelling, making the music a crucial component in the film’s immersive experience.
In addition to the main original score, the soundtrack also includes ambient pieces that support the film’s dark and mysterious tones. Through his music, Chaban captures the essence of the film’s narrative, allowing viewers to connect more deeply with the story.
The music of “Aftermath” stands out for its ability to drive the emotional impact of the film, making it more compelling and immersive.
Special Effects and Visuals
The special effects in “Aftermath” (1994) by Nacho Cerdà are notably intense and realistic. The film is well-known for its disturbingly lifelike effects. The scenes include highly detailed dummies that closely resemble real human anatomy. This contributes significantly to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
Practical Effects
The movie relies heavily on practical effects, which add to its raw and visceral impact. These effects are executed with a high level of craftsmanship, making the gore and violence appear very real.
Disturbing Realism
The special effects artists made sure that the details were meticulous, from the texture of the skin to the appearance of internal organs. This realism is a key reason why the film has such a strong effect on its audience.
Dummies and Props
The use of anatomically accurate dummies is one of the most talked-about aspects of the film. These props are so well-crafted that they can be mistaken for real bodies, adding to the horror.
Fans of special effects will appreciate the technical skill involved in creating such convincing visuals. The film’s special effects set a high standard for realism in horror cinema. For more insights on other movies with impressive special effects, check out this list of the most important movies in special effects history.
The effective use of practical effects in “Aftermath” makes it a memorable experience for viewers who can handle its intense content.
Viewer Reception
“Aftermath” has garnered mixed reactions from viewers.
Ratings
- Rotten Tomatoes: 18% based on 50 reviews
- IMDb: 5.3/10 from 8.9k reviews
Key Feedback
- Critics praised its contemplative nature but criticized its execution.
- Viewers had varied opinions, with some appreciating Arnold Schwarzenegger’s performance, while others found the plot unengaging.
Common Themes in Feedback
Positive:
- Strong performances
- Psychological depth
Negative:
- Slow pace
- Predictable storyline
Summary of Viewer Sentiments
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s role in Aftermath marked a significant change from his usual action-packed characters, but it did not fully resonate with all audiences.
Viewer Comments
Viewers have described the film using terms like:
- “Emotionally intense”
- “Disappointingly slow”
- “Thought-provoking”
While some found it a refreshing change from typical horror films, others felt it lacked excitement. Viewer responses are notably split, reflecting a divisive reception.
Conclusion
Viewer reception of “Aftermath” reflects its attempt to break from typical horror and drama molds. Despite its mixed reviews, the film has sparked conversation about its unique approach and character focus.
Cultural Impact
The movie Aftermath has made a significant mark in various aspects of culture. One of the key elements is how it addresses themes of survival and human resilience.
Representation of Historical Events:
Aftermath, set in 2000, deals with the horrific incident involving the obliteration of Polish Jews during WWII. The way the film presents this story has spurred conversations about historical memory and responsibility.
Influence on Genre:
The film combines horror and historical drama, creating a unique space where these genres intersect. This blend has introduced new narrative techniques in both genres, influencing future filmmakers.
Impact on Audiences:
Aftermath has particularly resonated with audiences in Poland and Jewish communities worldwide. It highlights dark chapters of history, which has led to emotional and educational responses from viewers.
Cinematic Techniques:
Director Władysław Pasikowski’s approach to storytelling in Aftermath stands out. The psychological thriller elements, combined with historical facts, make the movie a notable example of how film can reflect and shape cultural perceptions.
For example, Pasikowski’s use of a brisk pace and intense atmosphere keeps viewers engaged and has set a benchmark for similar films.
References in Media:
Movies like Aftermath and others reviewed on platforms like Culture Crypt often become points of reference in discussions about the portrayal of historical events in entertainment.
Overall, Aftermath proves to be more than just a film; it’s a cultural artifact that challenges and educates its audience.
Conclusion
The film Aftermath showcases Arnold Schwarzenegger in an atypical role, focusing on grief and psychological realism. His performance as a man devastated by the loss of his family offers a fresh perspective on his acting abilities.
Critics have noted the movie’s contemplative nature. Roger Ebert’s review mentions its downbeat tone and focus on character development, which might surprise fans expecting action-packed scenes.
The plot revolves around a tragic mid-air collision, deeply affecting the protagonist. Screen Rant discusses how the film’s ending reveals the true cause of the haunting events, adding a layer of psychological complexity to the narrative.
Viewer’s reactions to the film may vary. Some might appreciate the emotional depth, while others could find the pacing slow. The mixed reviews reflect this divide in audience reception.
Aftermath diverges from typical revenge dramas by leaning into the emotional and mental aftermath of tragedy. This approach makes it a unique entry in Schwarzenegger’s filmography.
