Rarely do you see directors with a command of subtle timing, pacing, and a knack for nudging a viewer instead of pushing them to conclusions.
Misan directs the After flawlessly as a debut film, with images that at first seeming fleeting but effectively lodge and imprint themselves into one's subconscious.
The film is memorable as is the lead performance. It is also impactful and heartfelt while expounding principle. As well as the horror and grief that can occur at a moments notice, the film has a lot of heart, sentiment, and strength.
There is one moment, at the inciting incident portion of the film, that didn't completely make sense to me and it raised a question as to "why?" It pulled me out of the film. The moment could be explained 100% in conversation post viewing (love of a mother, accident, disorientation, etc as the reasons to answer the question could be myriad) but more effective would have been for the ambiguity to have never arisen in the first place as it slowed down the pacing of the film and the engagement for me as a viewer. The question arising severed the in the moment connection.
If the approach was similar to the daughter in that it may have also been immediately understood, (visually speaking with no ambiguity) or if the moment had a set up prior, even if small, to hint at the mother's eventual action (or micro tendency towards such thought or action) than the processing may have been easier for me to understand (as time moves faster in an under 20 min short form than it does for a 2 hr feature. There is less time available for the director which allows for less leeway in effectively communicating to a viewer). The moment also happens fast, in and of itself, and I wonder if maybe it was just the angle it was presented in it now it was about that impeded its impact.
In hindsight, I even question if the director meant for it to be that way intentionally as it is very possible that the question of "why"? Or "what is happening here?" that Ibhad with regards to the mother is very likely one that the main character watching the event occur may have even likely had as well, himself.
Other than that, Misan exhibits a remarkable ability to walk a tight rope as he masterfully balances almost a lean towards melodrama with a stoic restraint. His timing is impeccable as just at the edge of it going too far he reigns it in with the subtlest of hand, so far as fthe shift in tones from moment to moment go.
This is most perfectly exemplified with the films ending which turns a readers questioning and pulling away in that moment (on if if was too melodramatic or not) into complete engagement and awe inspiring revelation (once I understood what was happening to the main character) as his breathing shifted.
The film pulled me in, at every turn where I had an inclination to pull away (thanks to a 24/7 news cycle/media bombardment, ista short social media world we live in where my attention span is shorter than ever and it is harder than ever for me to sit down, sit still, and focus) and because of what a phenomenal job Misan does here, I was able to be present and to be changed for the better.
Fantastic film and excited to see more from Misan. Beautiful and powerful experience here.
