Everyone responds differently to the concept of death. Hereafter explores how three different people respond and cope in their daily lives. A brush with death, a link to death, and the ability to interact with the dead are all part of the story with each lending a different perspective to the timeless topic of mortality.
Cecile De France (Marie), Thierry Neuvic (Didier), Jay Mohr (Billy), Matt Damon (George), Frankie McLaren (Marcus/Jason), George McLaren (Marcus/Jason), Richard Kind (Christos), Lyndsey Marshal (Jackie), Rebekah Staton (Social Worker).
Hereafter takes an interesting look at death from three different perspectives. The film begins with an intensely dramatic look at at a tsunami as Marie learns what it is like to be dead. The story then shifts to Marcus and Jason, twins with a link in life that remains after one of them dies. Another shift and we are seeing the life of George, a reluctant psychic who can act as a medium, conveying messages to and from the dead. Without much development or explanation the film is a bit confusing as the audience waits for the three stories to be connected. In the end they are connected, though it feels like duct tape and bailing wire were used rather than planning and execution by the Director, Clint Eastwood.
Acting was surprisingly good from every involved. Damon and Mohr did well as expected. De France was very good in her role with nice energy and emotion. The McLaren brothers also delivered well, as did the remainder of the supporting cast.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all fairly well done. Effects, particularly the presentation of the tsunami, was well done and created an intense emotional impact that the rest of the film couldn't compete with. Dialogue and sound were also good.
Overall Hereafter started off with a bang, slid into some very low energy drama, and tried to tie things togther with a less than entertaining ending. Although enjoyable, the film didn't really bring anything new to the concept of death.
With some disturbing violent images and brief foul language this should be fine for teens and above.
Hereafter is no longer showing in any Littleton Colorado movie theatres.
Released: 2010
Reviewed: 5.22.11
Star rating: 2 out of 5
copyright ©2011 Dave Riedel
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