'The After' Review | Misan Harriman's Oscar-nominated short tackles grief with raw emotions
LONDON, ENGLAND: Helmed by Misan Harriman, the Oscar-nominated movie 'The After' is a poignant narrative of grief, perseverance, and how human connection catalyzes healing the lives of others.
Set against the backdrop of London, the film explores the profound aftermath of a tragedy. Dayo (David Oyelowo) attempts to rediscover his emotions and rebuild his life in the wake of the untimely deaths of his wife and daughter.
Dayo, who used to be a workaholic, now finds himself in the role of a taxi driver, desperately seeking emotional support. The film skillfully follows Dayo's journey as he navigates self-discovery and reintegrates into society.
Misan Harriman's direction lends richness to the film
The beauty of cinema lies in its ability to convey the raw human emotions associated with the grieving process. 'The After' masterfully depicts how everyone grapples with loss on a personal level.
The audience is engrossed in Dayo's emotional fortitude as he navigates his feelings through a rollercoaster of emotions, fluctuating between hopelessness and fleeting moments of optimism.
John Julius Schwabach's hard-hitting and impactful writing deserves recognition. Schwabach has crafted a touching and profound screenplay, skillfully pulling the heartstrings of the audience.
Harriman's direction adds depth and authenticity to the film. Masterfully navigating Dayo's emotional journey, Harriman draws viewers in with his heartfelt direction that uses London's bustling cityscape as a backdrop.
Moreover, Harriman does a beautiful job of capturing the melancholy essence of human grief on screen.
For instance, Dayo's interactions with his passengers allow him to understand that everyone is going through a difficult time, providing a moving mirror of his sufferings and the collective experience of humanity.
David Oyelow excels as devastated Dayo
David Oyelow breathes life into the character of Dayo, portraying a man who transitions from a workaholic to grappling with the aftermath of a tragedy with honesty and realism.
His performance is both compelling but also deeply moving. Speaking on a personal level, Dayo's most memorable scene with Amy (Tara-Binta Collins) has left a lasting impact.
When Amy hugs Dayo, he unwraps his emotions, unleashing a wave of feelings. He collapses and sobs uncontrollably. Yet, in that vulnerable moment, he realizes that nothing is left to do but accept reality and move on. The scene is incredibly well-directed and performed.
Aggela Despotidou's exquisite editing skillfully weaves the story together, allowing emotions to be beautifully translated on screen. Her editing significantly elevates the overall quality of the film, adding depth and emotional impact to the story.
In general, 'The After' serves as a poignant reminder that healing needs time, especially for those who have personally experienced loss and are aware that grief is an extremely private emotion that is difficult to communicate or even comprehend. Nonetheless, it's also a testament to humans' ability to heal.