User reviews

Despite its 16 minute length, I was left with the feeling that there needs to be more source material for this to engage. On the plus side however the acting is good and convincing - a strong show from an unheard-of cast. The depiction of Londoners as hollow, cold, insular and socially worthless husks was very close to the bone, causing my second strongest emotion while watching this to be one of validation in emigrating from the UK. The film itself is of course a vehicle to both build up to and lend weight to the finale, which is poignant and potent enough to be memorable and debatable long after the film ends. Six stars.

This short has an impact and it does it in just 20 minutes. Dayo is a grieving rideshare driver who picks up a passenger who helps him confront the past.

Not that predictable in my opinion, but it's still emotionally charged and effective.

I would have chosen a more shocking ending, I noticed the ending was somewhat abrupt It is also a reminder that you can overcome your grief with small steps, and those steps are worth taking. There are many references, loneliness and also suicide. And also how one can feel alone in one of the busiest cities in the world? Very sad, grieving alone among millions of people. The actor David Oyelowo just does a really great acting job!

I also noticed references to the use of mobile phones, I see all the clients in the taxi with one, just like at the beginning of the short, if many already have a stressful life the mobile will distract us even more. Think about one thing, we only live once on this planet, take advantage of every moment that makes you happy, because life ends quickly, one way or another.

I recommend The After without a doubt!

It's most impressive how much emotion this short film manages to pack in its brief 18-minute runtime. Misan Harriman's "The After" is a rather modest film, with a simple scenario, yet is communicated effectively so as to evoke a brooding sense of grief. Lead actor David Oyelowo delivers a compelling performance as a father processing the grief of losing his wife and daughter to an unexpected stabbing attack, with all the maturity and subtlety the subject matter demands, and it's mostly his performance that makes this film as effective as it is. While a summary of the plot might make it seem like something we've already seen before, it is the performances that make this short film stand out.

When I saw this short on my Netflix librabry I got really excited to watch it as it is nominated for the Oscars.

The first few minutes met my expectations with some gorgeous momenst of a father with is daughter. A few moments after that, a really forced and quite mediocre plot twist happens wich makes the action take place. Beyond this moment, the movie just turns into a low budget, mediocre movie about a guy that serves as a Uber driver for the London's most strange and unsual passangers. On the movies last moments we are contemplated with the most cliche couple arguing while the main character stares at the couple's daughter with some sad music in the background.

Overal, I got really disapointed about this movie as I was expecting for gold, and just got some low quality fool's gold.

After losing a family member to a violent crime, a shattered rideshare driver picks up a passenger who forces him to confront his grief.

Short, but deep and painful, what is the meaning of life after we have stupidly and unfairly lost the only two important people in our lives? What is the point of continuing to live? I always ask myself these questions, which always go unanswered when I watch something so cruel and dramatic like this... They say that the pain doesn't diminish, we just reframe it, but how? Simple and magnificent production, well executed, and with a message of hope at the end...

No pun intended - I have to admit, I knew nothing about this other than the title. And Netflix suggested it to me - so why not try it? I do like a good short movie - and this definitely can be called that. Especially with the casting (getting a major star - at least that's what I would call him) - that was quite genius.

But I am certain that the script was responsible for that. If you get a role you can really get into ... with such depth in a short amount of time .. why wouldn't you do it? This deals with pain and loss and a main character who needs to cope with a lot. How would you react? It is easy to say, well I would do this or that ... but it makes sense ... well the journey let's call it that our main "hero" takes ... and where he lands ... I thought he might do something different ... but life is not easy. And the others will not understand him or his reaction ... may even see him as crazy .. but he is not! We feel for and with him - those with empathy that is. You do not need to have been in that situation ... and I hope you have not been ... very well done in every regard!

It's sad, pushing on dystrophic that this is an Oscar nominee. It is one of the slyest, most shameless gratuitous tear-jerkers I've ever seen. And it doesn't even do that well. It has NO INSIGHT, NO COMMENTARY, no richness of perspective (next to no perspective at all tbh), no message, no conclusion, no innovation. The acting is mediocre. The cinematography is standard TV, the dialogue even manages to feel a bit false as far as British English goes. The music is just You Tube audio library. I literally cannot find anything even slightly above mediocre in this movie. And barely anything above terrible. Thank Good it was relatively short.

Also, yeah, the subject is tragic but so is a news bulletin. If I mention the death of a child in this review, will it get a Pulitzer? No. BS.

David Oyelowo puts in Academy Award winning performance in this short movie. Spend 18 minutes that will redraw your entire perspective of those around you and where you belong.

His grief is visceral. It will grab you from the opening scene and carries you through "The After" until the end delivers the gut punch that will leave you wondering "How come I didn't know about this piece of film making?". Afterwards, you start reevaluating your own priorities. Many films have tackled this topic but none as beautifully as this one.

All I can say is take the time to watch. You will not regret it.

A masterful piece of acting ... in 18 minutes!!

One of the worst movies I've seen lately. Aims for a cheap shot at your emotions without any meaning or purpose. Depicts a horrible event without a proper follow-up. I'm left with a bad taste and a sad feeling.

Moreover, the film's apparent aim to evoke a strong emotional reaction from the audience feels unearned and cheap. It's as if the creators decided that simply depicting a 'horrible event' would suffice to make the story meaningful. However, without proper context, follow-up, or any real exploration of the characters' inner lives and the ramifications of the event, the movie fails to resonate on any meaningful level. It's a missed opportunity to delve into the complexities of human emotion and the nuances of life's challenges.

I would recommend skipping this film. The narrative is not only unsatisfying but also leaves a lingering feeling of discomfort and disappointment. There are far more enriching stories out there that offer depth, authenticity, and a genuine connection to the human experience. In a world rich with storytelling possibilities, it's unfortunate that this film opts for such a hollow attempt at capturing the audience's attention. The ingredients listed on a bar of soap indeed offer more intrigue and substance than this film's attempt at narrative depth.

"The After" is truly an emotional journey, capturing the essence of grief in a raw and genuine manner. It conveys a profound message about loss that stays with you long after viewing.

Oyewolo's standout performance as Dayo (under Misan Harriman's masterful direction) speaks to the human condition and resonated deeply with me. The film's cinematography paints a melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere, making each frame a visual poetry.

The narrative, while poignant, also offers moments of light, subtly reminding us of the strength that lies n resilience and hope. With its intricate storytelling and powerful performances, "The After" stands as a testament to the beauty and complexity of human emotions. A cinematic masterpiece not to be missed.

This is my first movie review ever. I had to post. This movie is so packed with such emotion and real human connection it immediately roped me in. I didn't need more or less. I connected as a parent, as a daughter, as a friend, as a human. It addressed our obsession with work but quickly went to what really matters in life and how quickly it could be taken away from us. Of course I cried but it was a cry of purification and of gratitude. I love the ending where he witnesses other people taking for granted and he desires most for his life.

The actors are amazing and so talented! Especially the lead actor Oyelowo. I look forward to watching his other work. He definitely has skills.

People are complaining about the sparce script...I personally didnt miss any words. The acting spoke volumes. David Oyelowo never misses but here he really puts in the work.

I dont give spoilers but I will say I sobbed like a baby at 1 scene in particular..it really hit home. If you have ever been effected by grief, heartbreak or loss then this short will ruin your day. Lol

If people dont get it I am glad for them as they probably have no concept of real heartbreak and the knock of effects because that IS the main premise...so good for them.

A reviewer talked about how they should have invested money into script rather than expensive locations. Id say maybe, if you needed the extra words but movies use gorilla style filming all the time to get around permits..especially in expensive locations like london.

A solid 9.

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.

Sometimes an 18 min movie tells you a story that a 2 h can't. It's one of that master piece but you need to have heart to feel it. The subtlety with which the story was told in 18 minutes, is just phenomenal. I would strongly recommend a watch to them who don't like masala non sense movies but something that is deep and thoughtful.

Being a short movie, the story runs faster and you have to capture the emotions pretty fast. You can find faults here and there but if you can go beyond that, this short movie will touch your heart. The acting by lead character is profound despite being a short span.

This was an excellent short. It makes me want to see the beginning of the character's life, the middle what got him to this point and what happens next. Again this was excellent. Both Directors Misan and David did a phenomenal job at capturing the audience attention and making us want more. The characters in this short are so real. The things they do and say makes the viewer feel like we are eavesdropping on their lives. I felt the pain, the sadness, the joy of memories, the lost of his lives. It felt like he was a roller coaster that never stopped. It just repeating. Did he ever get off or not!?

I learned of Misan Harriman's short film "The After" when it received an Academy Award nomination. I've finally seen it. One of the frankest looks at grief that I've ever seen, with David Oyelowo playing a driver who suffers a major tragedy. While treating the subject matter seriously, the movie doesn't pound the viewer over the head with it. The focus is how we deal with grief, and how it affects us moving forward.

All in all, I hope that more people get to see this short. It's too bad that the nominated shorts aren't widely seen, since they often deal with subjects just as important as those seen in the major nominees.

As my title suggests my evening was ruined due to the overwhelming feel of loss that this short film provided.

Beautify directed with an excellent performance from the lead. Wonderful locations for such a short production. I discovered this by mistake and it touched me deeply. You really feel the lead actor, his pain and the burden that he walks around with. Obviously in a totally different mindset where his work and career have been affected. It was interesting that the profession chosen still had regular human contact where he would get glimpses of other peoples lives so different from his own.

They time heals, it doesn't!

A very well written and superbly acted short that traces the arc of grief of a businessman Dayo (Oyelowo) who suffers an unspeakably traumatic loss, and then must carry on with his life in the aftermath. To keep this spoiler-free I won't reveal specifics, but what made The After a rewarding watch for me was that despite the trauma that is at the story's center, its conclusion left me feeling optimistic for the future of Oyelomo's character. To navigate a path of such extremes in an 18-minute span while maintaining believable and relatable character reactions and emotions speaks volumes to the quality of the screenplay and to the acting performances. Very well done to all involved in the making of The After. Very well done indeed.