Monday, January 03, 2011
Michael Allen
Afterlife is a film from independent director Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo ("Pate"). Afterlife is her first feature film and the title reviewed here was released on DVD and Blu-Ray August 3rd, 2010 by Anchor Bay Entertainment. The film hosts exceptional performances by the central characters, which include Liam Neeson (Taken), Justin Long (Drag Me to Hell) and Christina Ricci (Cursed). This often tense thriller takes on the ever elusive subject of: what happens after death? Just as in reality, this question is trying, but slightly redundant when bandied about for over a 100 minutes.
The film mainly focuses in on Ricci's character, Anna Taylor, who is involved in a fatal car accident. Her body is dead, yet her soul remains. To prepare her for death is a vitriolic mortician, played by Liam Neeson. His gift is speaking to the dead, which subdues the recently deceased and he prepares future clients for placement in his mortuary through subtle manipulation. Enter a love story and a sub plot involving a similarly gifted young man and you have a mostly intriguing story.
The main film element which drags is the constant back and forth of the film's central question. Is she dead, or is she alive and held hostage? Here are some clues. If you are not hungry, you have several holes in you and your body is white as snow, then, you are truly dead. Others might have other opinions, after watching the film. However, the evidence stacks up considerably on the side of Taylor being post-mortem.
Several highlights in the film include the fantastic make-up of artist Nicki Ledermann and her associates, along with a sometimes chilling, but always appropriately horrifying soundtrack (Paul Haslinger). Set design and other film elements are also top notch. Yet, this nearly $5 million dollar movie seems to drag after the first half hour. The film repeats and repeats and repeats, until one begins to hope for an end to the supernatural debate.
However, this is an excellent first feature for Wojtowicz-Vosloo and this precedent is sure to lead her and you to more and greater film experiences. Rent this one for a one time watch and prepare to be patient, as the film drives slowly towards a slightly sinister conclusion!
Overall: 6 out of 10 (-1 for pacing, -1 for an unconvincing or mixed message, -1 for length -1 for not developing the sub plot involving the student).
For more details, visit the film's homepage:
The Afterlife Homepage
Or fan page:
The Afterlife on Facebook
Available to own here (maybe rent):
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Posted in: 2010,afterlife,agnieszka wojtowicz-vosloo,anchor bay entertainment,christina ricci,justin long,liam neeson,movie review,supernatural movie review
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