SIFF FutureWave Selection
That can't be it, can it?
World-building is a complicated process. It can be enthralling for a viewer to be catapulted into an environment where they are taught the rules as they go and everything is entirely new. It can also be downright disappointing when the creative idea for an unreality is supported by the flimsiest of plot details.
In Afterlife, we follow the story of a 16-year-old Dutch girl named Sam who dies prematurely in a freak truck accident and is then given the opportunity to relive her life. The idea is genius. The execution was subpar at best.
The film begins with a dark, matter-of-fact tone. It begins as the kind of movie to joke about death and get you to laugh along uncomfortably. And it does so brilliantly. The only problem with that tone is that it sets a precedent that must be followed throughout the duration of the film. Darkly humorous narration can not introduce a movie whose climax is based on deep emotional connection with the protagonist. For some reason, that's exactly what director Willem Bosch tries to do.
Instead of a compelling narrative loaded with messages about what we can get out of life when we commit ourselves, we're treated (?) to a pointless story loaded with absolutely nothing. We watch a supposedly independent and self-driven character pushed forward at every turn by fate to a conclusion that leaves us wondering why exactly we wasted our time on this girl's life twice.
The music is fantastic, but not much else stands out in what chalks up to be a decently-made nothing. Let's move on to more interesting stories.
SIFF FutureWave Selection
That can't be it, can it?
World-building is a complicated process. It can be enthralling for a viewer to be catapulted into an environment where they are taught the rules as they go and everything is entirely new. It can also be downright disappointing when the creative idea for an unreality is supported by the flimsiest of plot details.
In Afterlife, we follow the story of a 16-year-old Dutch girl named Sam who dies prematurely in a freak truck accident and is then given the opportunity to relive her life. The idea is genius. The execution was subpar at best.
The film begins with a dark, matter-of-fact tone. It begins as the kind of movie to joke about death and get you to laugh along uncomfortably. And it does so brilliantly. The only problem with that tone is that it sets a precedent that must be followed throughout the duration of the film. Darkly humorous narration can not introduce a movie whose climax is based on deep emotional connection with the protagonist. For some reason, that's exactly what director Willem Bosch tries to do.
Instead of a compelling narrative loaded with messages about what we can get out of life when we commit ourselves, we're treated (?) to a pointless story loaded with absolutely nothing. We watch a supposedly independent and self-driven character pushed forward at every turn by fate to a conclusion that leaves us wondering why exactly we wasted our time on this girl's life twice.
The music is fantastic, but not much else stands out in what chalks up to be a decently-made nothing. Let's move on to more interesting stories.
