After Darkness

After Darkness is a drama film that portrays a family's relationships and survival in a world after an apocalyptic event. The Pierce family, consisting of parents Raymond and Janine and their three children, find themselves in a world without electricity or the means of communication. They lose all access to food, water, medicine, and laws that they previously relied on. The story revolves around the family's journey through various struggles in the post-apocalyptic world and how they deal with their inner demons and emotional burdens.

The movie starts with the Pierce family talking about an asteroid that is going to pass near Earth. They are delighted to have dinner together when the power goes out all of a sudden. They later discover that an asteroid has hit the earth, and it has caused a prolonged eclipse that might last for several years.

As the family tries to survive these trying times, they discover that their neighbor, Lawrence, is dealing with personal issues that may jeopardize their safety. The anxiety and paranoia increase as Lawrence's behavior becomes more erratic, making the family question his intentions. The film portrays Raymond's character struggling to keep the family together amidst his self-doubt and buried secrets that might be the cause of the family's disintegration.

Janine's character reflects the maternal side of the family, she tries to keep the family's spirits up, but deep down, she's dealing with her personal issues. She is also worried about her daughter, Clara, who is dealing with issues of self-doubt and anxiety. Youngest in the family, Hannah, grows more mature from a girl to a woman as she navigates the hardships of the post-apocalyptic world. On the other hand, Dyer's character, Clara, is struggling with the effects of her parents' actions on the family's future. She is trying to process her emotional baggage while navigating her love life that is also facing struggles.

Throughout the move, the characters from the Pierce family provide a glimpse of personal history and flares of their behavior through flashbacks, like Raymond's issues with his father and Janine's struggles to cope with her daughter's self-doubt.

The film convinces the audience to understand the darker nature of humans when taken out of their comfortable zones. The characters have different psychological tumult to deal with, which leads them to make unpredictable decisions, which the audience is never sure of the consequences.

The use of the enclosed & isolated space of the house where the family is hiding is an essential aspect of the movie. The director, Batan Silva, effectively uses the walls and the limited space to increase tension and anxiety among the characters, making the audience feel more at home with the sense of confinement and restrictions.

The movie highlights the importance of family, and how it stands as the most important support system in times of crisis. The family relationship is a delicate balance, with each member contributing to the support and comfort of the other.

The movie ends with a poignant moment of redemption and understanding, where the Pierce family understands the importance of choosing the right path in life. It provides a sense of hope and utopian ideal that no matter what happens in life, there's always a way to heal, move forward, and have a better future.

In conclusion, After Darkness is a gripping, suspenseful drama that provides insight into the human spirit when taken out of its comfort zone. The movie has a compelling storyline, excellent use of limited space, and strong performances from the cast. It compels you to remain glued to the screen throughout the movie until it comes to a climax that's satisfying and bittersweet.