Aftermath (2017)

Movie Review: Aftermath (2017) – A Tale of Grief, Revenge, and Redemption

Released: 2017
Director: Elliott Lester
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Scoot McNairy, Maggie Grace, and Kevin Zegers
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Running Time: 93 minutes
Rating: 5.7 imdb

Introduction
Aftermath (2017) is a gripping drama that explores the themes of loss, vengeance, and the emotional aftermath of a tragic event. Directed by Elliott Lester and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, this film offers a departure from the actor’s usual action-packed roles, delving into a more somber, emotional narrative. Based on real events, Aftermath is a powerful exploration of how a single moment can change everything.

Plot Overview
The story of Aftermath begins with a heart-wrenching tragedy. Roman (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a construction worker, is waiting for his wife and daughter at an airport. A mid-air collision between two planes leads to the tragic death of his family. The blame falls on the air traffic controller, Jake (Scoot McNairy), who made a critical mistake leading to the accident. Stricken by grief and anger, Roman is consumed by a desire for justice and revenge.

Despite the personal toll of the accident on Jake, who is also devastated by the consequences of his actions, Roman relentlessly pursues him, leading to an intense confrontation. The story unfolds to reveal both men’s emotional struggles as they deal with the tragedy in different ways. Roman’s grief turns into an all-consuming need for vengeance, while Jake wrestles with guilt and shame. Aftermath is more than just a revenge thriller; it’s a nuanced portrayal of two men, bound by tragedy, trying to cope with the consequences of an irreversible mistake.

Themes and Characters
At its core, Aftermath is a film about human suffering, the search for justice, and the impact of grief. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Roman is somber and complex, highlighting the internal conflict of a man who has lost everything. This role marks a stark contrast to his usual action-oriented persona, showing a more vulnerable side to the actor that’s rarely seen. Schwarzenegger brings a depth of emotion to Roman’s grief, making the character’s journey feel raw and authentic.

Scoot McNairy’s performance as Jake is equally compelling. As the man responsible for the accident, Jake’s guilt is palpable. McNairy beautifully conveys the emotional weight of his character’s remorse, offering a sensitive portrayal of a man trapped by the consequences of his actions. The relationship between Roman and Jake is the heart of the film, and their interactions are charged with tension, anger, and the possibility of redemption.

The supporting cast, including Maggie Grace as Jake’s wife and Kevin Zegers as Roman’s co-worker, add emotional depth to the story, though the film remains largely focused on the dynamic between the two main characters.

Direction and Cinematography
Elliott Lester’s direction is masterful in bringing out the film’s emotional nuances. He takes a restrained approach, allowing the performances to breathe and carry the story. Lester’s skillful use of silence and subtle pacing heightens the emotional impact of each scene. The film never feels rushed, letting the characters’ pain and motivations unfold gradually.

Cinematography by Kieran McGuigan is stark and atmospheric, echoing the somber tone of the film. The camera lingers on moments of emotional intensity, drawing the audience deeper into the characters’ turmoil. The muted color palette complements the dark themes, and the film’s setting—ranging from quiet homes to desolate airports—reinforces the isolation and despair experienced by the protagonists.

Reception and Impact
While Aftermath didn’t achieve massive box office success, it received praise for its performances and emotional depth. Critics noted Schwarzenegger’s unexpected turn as a dramatic lead, with many commending his portrayal of a man grappling with unbearable loss. The film was also praised for its restrained storytelling and commitment to exploring complex emotional and moral questions.

However, some critics found the pacing a bit slow, and the film’s tone was described as bleak, which may have alienated certain audiences expecting a more traditional revenge thriller. Yet, Aftermath excels in providing an emotional and human-centered narrative, showing the lengths to which a person might go when consumed by grief and anger.

Conclusion
Aftermath is a deeply emotional film that tackles universal themes of loss, justice, and redemption. Its performances, especially from Arnold Schwarzenegger, are powerful and offer a fresh take on an actor known for his action-packed roles. Elliott Lester’s direction creates a slow-burn thriller that explores the complexity of human emotion, reminding us that revenge is often as painful and consuming as the grief it stems from.

This film may not appeal to fans of Schwarzenegger’s action movies, but for those interested in character-driven drama with a focus on emotional depth, Aftermath is a must-see. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of how one’s life can be irrevocably altered by a single tragic event.