After We Leave

After We Leave is a nuanced science fiction drama released in 2019. Directed by Aleem Hossain, the film features an ensemble cast including Brian Silverman, Joe Sachem, and Gabrielle Gumbs. In the film, Hossain dives deep into the bleak dystopian future, where every individual is faced with their own burdens and struggles. Yet, glimmers of hope and redemption persist throughout.

The movie’s central protagonist is Jack Chaney, portrayed with impressive depth by Brian Silverman. Jack is a downtrodden and tormented character, straddling his past demons and an uncertain future. He’s a former criminal who’s been given a golden opportunity to start anew after securing a lottery ticket that could take him to one of Earth's off-world colonies. Yet, there’s a catch. He can only use the ticket if he's accompanied by his estranged wife, Vanessa, played by Gabrielle Gumbs.

Joe Sachem, in a gripping performance, serves as the film's supporting character, providing additional depth and complexity to the plot. Other supporting roles also bring out the sub-themes and motifs that weave through the narrative holisticly. Each character’s unique storyline attempts to reflect on the central theme of human despair and hope in a dystopian reality.

The setting of the movie is Los Angeles in the near future, providing a gloomy backdrop that enhances the impending sense of doom and melancholy. The city's infrastructure is neglected, mirroring the lives of its inhabitants, but, occasionally, its beauty shines through, and we get glimpses of a world that was once vibrant and alive.

The world of After We Leave is a post-apocalyptic, dystopian future where Earth has been left scarred from overpopulation and fundamental resources have been exhausted. The result poses a dire narrative that the characters, and the audience, find themselves rooted in. However, the movie takes a route that significantly diverts from the common narratives of dystopian cinema. Instead of dwelling on the exhausting despair omnipresent, Hossain uses it as a background to delve into the human psyche, exploring how individuals experience and react to hardship.

After We Leave employs science fiction mainly as a backdrop, allowing the drama to take centre stage. The plot revolves around dawned-out relationships, personal redemptions, and the basic instincts of humans to survive. Jack’s frantic attempts to find Vanessa reflect a fundamental human condition. He is at once seeking personal redemption and a desperate bid to claim a life that promises relief from his current existence. The unnerving questions of abandonment, regret, and the need for liberation are all addressed through the relationships seen in the film.

Furthermore, the movie greatly revolves around antagonising personal relationships. The complex nature of these relationships continues to stir the plot, creating a compelling dynamic between all of the characters. The narrative is consistent and unfolds steadily, always successfully maintaining its dramatic tension.

The visual aesthetics of the film are outstanding. The muted colours, stark landscapes, and the oppressive atmosphere transform Los Angeles into a character in itself. The cinematography uses these aesthetics to successfully convey the narrative's emotion and tone.

The sound design and score of After We Leave also stand out for their contribution to the overall experience. The eerie silences and the restrained soundtrack lend itself brilliantly to the film’s tense, gloomy atmosphere.

All in all, After We Leave is a thought-provoking, character-driven exploration of the concept of second chances amid a grim scenario. While it's a science fiction story on the surface, it is also a profound examination of relationships and the human condition, making it a compelling watch.

Its intricate plot layered with profound themes, masterful performances and spectacular visuals makes ‘After We Leave’ a standout film within the sci-fi genre. Ideal for those who delight in thought-provoking and atmospheric movies, After We Leave will have you reflecting on its themes well after the credits roll.