AfterLife

Not an easy film to like at first with both the lead characters quite unlikeable but luckily the heart and soul of the film is Paula Sage's touching performance which drives the film into uncharted waters and transcends the rather awkward storyline. This gives the film a feeling of real truth and makes you think you've seen something special.(7/10)

A very moving and thought provoking film that raises issues of mental health, terminal illness and euthanasia. Sound a bit too heavy? It is a little, but this is all treated in a realistically straight forward way within a story of the changes that take place to the family who have to deal with these things. This is a positive story of facing up to life and responsibility that isn't overwhelm by the subject matter.

Afterlife is beautifully shot and crafted film set in modern times and dealing with modern issues. It is a character driven, enthralling film with a strong cast and some very good performances.

Unfortunate it is not the sort of film that always performs well at the box office, so catch it while you can.

This film takes you through a pretty rough ride. First, you feel like hating Kenny, the career minded, selfish big brother; his arrogance, his bad temper at home, and his womanising ways. As the film progresses however, he is gradually softened by the irresistable nature of his little sister Roberta, and the realisation of what the future holds.

Roberta provides much of the film's humour with her cheekiness to Kenny and her mum. She also keeps the biggest surprise till the end with a clever twist to the story.

Rating: 8/10

AfterLife. A film that anyone who has had to choose between pursuing their career and being near their loved ones will relate to.

Despite the low budget, 'AfterLife' boasts a very strong cast...including Lindsay Duncan as the mother and the versatile Kevin McKidd as self-centred journalist Kenny Brogan. The central role of Roberta is played with great maturity and confidence by Down's Syndrome actress Paula Sage.

Behind the scenes, director Alison Peebles focuses tightly on the human scale of the story, and although Andrea Gibb's writing certainly tugs hard at the emotions, a healthy dose of honesty ensures that it never descends in sentimentality.

'AfterLife' was a deserved winner of this year's Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

This is a great example of very none Hollywood film making which is very thought provoking, moving and not without a sense of humor, Kevin McKidd and Paula Sage are superb.

I actually watched it on late night TV and I can see why I missed it in the cinema, its not the sort of film that the multi-screen "mega" cinemas show nowadays, mores the pity.

I am going to look for the DVD. Not for those who prefer, the current trend towards special effects and no story. If you liked the best selling book "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time", you'll enjoy this film.

This film ranks beside the best of Scottish films, such as "Small Faces" and "trainspotting". All films which Kevin McKidd also star in.

Highly Recommended.