Review of After (2012) by Sylvester E — 23 Aug 2012

After is a new breed of indie film.

This year, at the Con, I found myself at a screening for a new thriller film. The film was called After, and boasted an intriguing poster which featured Steven Strait (remember that guy from 10,000 B.C. and Sky High?) leaning over thousands of keys. Seemed cool enough for me. I scored some extra tickets and made it in.

Now to the parts you want to hear about.

I was impressed to say the least. The film opens up with two characters who meet in a bus, the guy (Strait), starts flirting with the girl, she doesnâ(TM)t take it so well, things get awkward, and then, well, then the story starts. Through a chain of events, the two end up alone, chasing down answers, running from a monster, and trying to defeat a âDarknessâ? that has overtaken the town. Cool story right?

When I started to watch, I halfway expected the story from Silent Hill (my older brother loved the games and movie, I was indifferent.) Luckily, it was very different. The movie had much more heart than the Hill, as well as better characters, and the twist, well, lets just say, itâ(TM)s not what I expected.

The opening act, as well as the first half of the second act, feel very 80â(TM)s. and as the movie progresses, it follows more along the lines of a romantic thriller than a horror flick. There were one or two scenes where I wasnâ(TM)t sure how I felt about the leading lady, however, by the final act of the film she had become one hell of a girl to have at your side.

Strait did a really good job. I have seen the guy play such ridiculous and different roles, always cool to see an actor tackling a whole new character, and doing it well.

And then thereâ(TM)s the monster, I wonâ(TM)t tell too much, but he looked pretty damn cool if you ask me.

After the screening I had a talk with director Ryan Smith. Heâ(TM)s fresh to the feature film world, and in my opinion, on the way to some more good films. This being his freshman film impressed me, especially seeing that it was an indie film with big effects and a hollywood feel to it. I wouldnâ(TM)t put it past the guys at Seabourne Pictures (the studio responsible) to hit a few home runs in the next few years.

So I guess this all goes to say, the movie âAFTERâ? is definitely worth a watch, and Director Ryan smith is one to keep an eye on. Oh and did I mention it also features Madison Lintz, from the Walking Dead? No? Did now. No spoilers this time around, sorry guys, not how I roll. Look for the film in theaters this fall!