The After Party

The After Party is a comedy-drama film that was released in Netflix in 2018. The film revolves around the life of an upcoming rapper named Owen who is working hard to establish himself in the music industry. He goes through a series of serious setbacks, including embarrassing himself on stage and losing his record deal, which forces him to reevaluate his choice in career paths.

The movie begins by showcasing Owen's chance encounter with Wiz Khalifa during an after-party, where he is asked to perform a freestyle rap in front of a live audience. While his performance initially stuns everyone, Owen soon turns his moment of glory into a nightmare when he vomits all over the stage. He quickly becomes the laughing stock of the internet, and his career seems to be in jeopardy.

However, things take a positive turn when he receives an invitation to attend a high-end industry party hosted by the music mogul T. K. The party's attendees include several big-name rappers, including French Montana, and pushy agent Marry, who takes a keen interest in Owen's success. Owen's best friend Jeff, who is his longtime confidant and biggest supporter, accompanies him to the party.

The plot of the movie revolves around Owen's journey of self-discovery and how he deals with his embarrassment and navigates the cutthroat music industry. The major conflict in The After Party emerges when Owen learns that he has only one day to secure a new record deal, or he will be forced to give up on his dream of becoming a rapper.

One of the high points of the movie is how it showcases Owen's struggles with epilepsy. The movie doesn't shy away from discussing the real-life difficulties that those with epilepsy face, including the social stigmas and the fear of losing control.

The cast of The After Party starred Harrison Holzer as Owen, Kyle, and Jordan Rock as Jeff, who are both hilarious, heartwarming, and consistently steal the show with their performances. The ensemble cast does an excellent job complementing each other, making the movie a cohesive unit.

The After Party is directed and co-written by Ian Edelman, who is a former producer of HBO's hit show How to Make it in America. His experience in the industry is evident in the way he directs the movie as he manages to capture the essence of the music industry in a way that feels both genuine and accessible to the audience.

The film is tailored towards younger adults and millennials and highlights the current trends of the music industry, which includes instant fame, scandals, and viral content. The movie also captures the typical behavior of some people in the music industry, including the double standards in the industry, competition, and the challenges of being a black man in America.

Overall, The After Party is a fun, entertaining, and light-hearted movie with an important message at its core. It emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, perseverance, and honesty in achieving one's dreams. The film manages to stay engaging from start to finish, making it an enjoyable watch for anyone looking for a good comedy.