I thought that After read well but I was cautiously optimistic because more times than not indie horror flicks don't usually end up impressing very well. I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed with After. I enjoyed the film and thought it definitely gave off a creepy and intelligent concept. The unfortunate thing is that it feels like they didn't really know what direction they wanted to go in and while the film starts out promising it starts to fall apart and by the end you feel like they are truly grasping for straws. The story itself is exactly what I love about horror. Isolation, loneliness, mystery, the small town with everyone missing...its very King and Koontz and that is a very high compliment. However, both of those men know how to tie up a story and this one builds up these characters and what is happening to them and then leaves you disappointed. Even the "major" twist to the story is not impressive because you're already seeing the holes in the script by then. The production value for being an indie film is actually quite good and I was very impressed with the special effects. They are smart and use the monsters well without putting them in your face and the film never feels cheesy, not an easy feat for an indie horror.
We have essentially two people in the entire film as stars. One is quite impressive and the other feels excruciatingly forced and awkward. Steven Strait gives a very solid performance. The script doesn't give him a ton to work with and he actually makes the supernatural experience believable and draws you into his character. I think a major flaw to this film is the casting of Karolina Wydra who just feels like she is bored and doesn't want to even try with this character. She actually has a lot of depth and background to play with but she just doesn't seem like her heart is in it. I have seen her in other things (most notably in TV's House) and I know she is a good actress so I think perhaps this was just a one off paycheck for her. The chemistry between them is so important and yet there is so little. Their best scene is early in the film when they are on the bus.
I'm certain some would say that After is "same old, same old" because there are some familiar elements from similar genre films. That doesn't bother me in the least. The story itself has some unique flare and that works well enough. Ryan Smith is both co-writer and director and I hate sounding like a broken record but my rule of thumb is that 95% of writers should never direct their own material. Good writer doesn't mean good director but usually with indie films this is what happens. Smith doesn't do a bad job. As I said, the special effects border excellent for the budget, the style and use of darkness and close shots on the bus are all very well done. The script is the bigger problem and not because its bad but simply because it needs so much more editing and feels very rushed. However, people like me that love this corner of the horror genre won't be entirely disappointed. It wasn't a complete waste and I found it very watchable. I wouldn't necessarily watch it again but it was a solid effort. 6/10
We have essentially two people in the entire film as stars. One is quite impressive and the other feels excruciatingly forced and awkward. Steven Strait gives a very solid performance. The script doesn't give him a ton to work with and he actually makes the supernatural experience believable and draws you into his character. I think a major flaw to this film is the casting of Karolina Wydra who just feels like she is bored and doesn't want to even try with this character. She actually has a lot of depth and background to play with but she just doesn't seem like her heart is in it. I have seen her in other things (most notably in TV's House) and I know she is a good actress so I think perhaps this was just a one off paycheck for her. The chemistry between them is so important and yet there is so little. Their best scene is early in the film when they are on the bus.
I'm certain some would say that After is "same old, same old" because there are some familiar elements from similar genre films. That doesn't bother me in the least. The story itself has some unique flare and that works well enough. Ryan Smith is both co-writer and director and I hate sounding like a broken record but my rule of thumb is that 95% of writers should never direct their own material. Good writer doesn't mean good director but usually with indie films this is what happens. Smith doesn't do a bad job. As I said, the special effects border excellent for the budget, the style and use of darkness and close shots on the bus are all very well done. The script is the bigger problem and not because its bad but simply because it needs so much more editing and feels very rushed. However, people like me that love this corner of the horror genre won't be entirely disappointed. It wasn't a complete waste and I found it very watchable. I wouldn't necessarily watch it again but it was a solid effort. 6/10