Aftermath

This is one of those reviews that is extremely hard to write. Not because there is anything bad to say about the movie. Far from it in fact. Instead, the problem is telling the readers enough without giving away any major plot elements.

So, what can I say about the plot? Well, it follows a young woman called "Kate" (played by Fruzsina Nagy) who wakes up in the woods with no memory of who she was nor how she got there. She is quickly beset upon by mysterious masked attackers with an unknown agenda as she struggles to regain her memory and piece together why she is being targeted by them.

This movie is well written and intelligent. It is a very high concept movie so, if you like mindless violence and action, it may not be for you. However, if you like deep, intelligent and thought provoking stories that make you examine yourself too then "Aftermath" is definitely that movie.

The audience is immediately captured by the mystery surrounding the young woman. Most of the plot is revealed to the audience through powerful dialogue between "Kate" (Fruzsina Nagy) and "Bubba" (Edward Apeagyei). Their acting range is absolutely phenomenal in covering emotions such as fear, moments of humor to release tension, determination, pain and so much more. Sci-fi elements such as drones, holoprojectors and forcefields help strengthen the dystopian feel. Good use is also made of some more well known actors in support roles such as Eric Roberts as a behind the scenes mastermind or Simon Bamford as the voice of one of the mysterious masked assailants.

A special shout out has to go to Gergo Elekes who both co-directed with Jozsef Gallai and also composed an incredibly atmospheric soundtrack that strengthened and built dramatic tension in almost every scene. The sweeping vistas and creative shots from odd angles also helped to sell the mystery and confusion of the protagonists to the audience.

The finale was deeply touching and I dare you not to have a tear in your eye as it plays out. It raises deep moral questions about society and whether we SHOULD do something, just because we can or perhaps we would instead be morally bankrupt if we had the power to do something but chose not to.

Ordinarily with a movie review, I list some good things, some bad things and some more good things. However, in this movie, it is hard to find anything to criticise as it is a near perfect blend of dialogue, excellent camera work and sound mixing, solid action and stunts and so on. If there is any criticism, it is that earlier in the movie, the audience may think there are a few plot holes. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that these were not plot holes at all but intentional elements that, looking back in retrospect, built towards that deeply emotional and touching final act.

All in all, if you like intelligent independent cinema, I cannot recommend this movie strongly enough. It is simply an artistic delight to behold and both intelligent and thought provoking. Well worth the hour and twenty minute run time.