After Words

After Words, released in 2015, is a light-hearted drama that combines elements of romance and self-discovery. It stars the accomplished actress Marcia Gay Harden, known for her roles in films such as Mystic River and Pollock. Other notable cast members are Ron Canada, Yvette Thor, and Oscar Jaenada, who have also made significant contributions to the film through their performances.

The movie revolves around the main character, Jane (Marcia Gay Harden), a passionate but extremely introverted librarian from Los Angeles. Jane is a dedicated and somewhat lonely individual whose love for books seems to be her only solace. However, she is laid off from her job due to budget cuts, which throws her life into disarray. She, who had found safety and purpose among the aisles of books, is left jobless and aimless, confronting a future that appears bleak and meaningless.

Jane, grappling with her new reality and in the depths of self-pity and existential crisis, decides on a somewhat drastic step. She decides to spend all her life’s savings on a trip to Costa Rica. It’s a warped idea of an end game – she plans to enjoy herself thoroughly before ending her life there - away from her homeland, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the unfamiliarity of a new culture.

Upon arriving in Costa Rica, Jane meets Juan (played by Oscar Jaenada), a charming and vivacious tour guide. Juan has issues of his own - he is burdened by financial stress and is trying to scrape by every day, struggling to fulfill his responsibilities towards his young daughter.

Jane, in her desire to accelerate her plan, hires Juan to show her the ‘pure life’ that Costa Rica promises, albeit her intent being veiled under the conventional guise of a tourist wanting to experience the splendor of the unfamiliar land. Juan, unknowing of Jane’s actual motivations, uses this opportunity as a way to make ends meet, showing Jane the best of Costa Rican landscapes and culture.

As they embark on this journey together, they inevitably grow close. The contrast between their personalities becomes evident and even complementary, making their interactions inherently interesting and heartwarming. Jane is the archetypal introverted American – reserved, shy, and burdened with existential angst, whereas Juan is the epitome of Costa Rican openness, amiability, and love for life – boisterous and full of zest.

The journey becomes a catalyst for change, and Jane starts to view life through a different lens. The tranquil beauty of Costa Rica, the stark contrast of their lives, and the simplicity of Juan's outlook towards life gradually pushes Jane away from her destructive intent and enables her to rediscover herself and her passion for life.

After Words is a beautiful portrayal of hope, self-discovery, and the incredible influence that human connection can possess. Marcia Gay Harden brings depth to Jane's character with her nuanced and powerful performance. Oscar Jaenada, on the other hand, infuses his character with a genuinely captivating personality that beautifully compliments Marcia’s portrayal.

The scenery plays a crucial role, adding another layer to the film's narrative. The picturesque landscapes of Costa Rica are exquisitely captured, becoming a character in itself, playing a role in Jane’s transformation, and reflecting her growing internal change on the outside.

Directed by Juan Feldman and beautifully scripted by Joel Silverman, the film does an excellent job of balancing the serious topics it touches upon with a tender, light-hearted touch. It allows the audience to immerse themselves in the unfolding story, empathize with the characters, and walk away with a heartfelt message about life, change, and the power of connections.

After Words is not just about a woman going through mid-life crisis; it's about the rediscovery of life, happiness, and how a change of scenery and unexpected friendships can transform an individual's entire outlook on existence. It explores the theme that it is never too late to find a new purpose and meaning in life. Overall, it is a feel-good movie that takes the viewers on an uplifting and transformative journey along with its characters.