Beyond The After is a very creative allegory that takes characters through a portal, where they reflect on their behaviors and are rewarded for their integrity.
I like the premise that good and bad behaviors are rewarded and punished. As much as I don't like the idea of "punishing" someone, it is important to hold people accountable for their actions and this story does just that. I like the spooky aspect of the story as well. I don't like horror, but this film scares you just enough to create suspense and drama. The story is somewhat confusing, but like many films, the end justifies the means.
Great script, terrific camera operators, wonderful music, and production design. Congratulations! The camera work is great and there are several scenes that reveal true emotion while placing the actors in gorgeous, or by contrast, hideous locations. The main title sequence has some animation and is beautiful. Costumes are completely appropriate for the time and storyline. Remember, these are teenagers in jeans and T-shirts. The "grim reaper" is attired quite believably! The locations are well chosen. The underscore music is great -- I'm a composer so I know of what I speak. The initial music uses instrumentation and synthesizer to build tension and empathy. There is also an appropriate amount of silence. When the young boy is singing I noticed that the editor mixed the source (music coming from the scene) and the underscore (music that is background audio). There are some editing tricks and visual effects that flash in and out of the film, but most of the surreal story is filmed realistically, or in real time. As for the acting, Will (Dash Melrose), Kambden (Jake Melrose) make very believable brothers. Actually, The entire cast all excel at portraying their roles. There are many characters and absolutely everyone is terrific, so let me just say, great job team! As a composer, truthfully I like the first five minutes of the opening music. I also like the negative energy between the "grim reaper" and the girl stranded in the "in between." Their discovery of who each other is unlocks all of the mysteries of the movie, which ends with some truly loving moments.
The film's message is in the opening title: Sometimes, we don't understand the magnitude of our decisions until we're faced with their consequences. Be aware that there is some profanity, including the F word one time. Also, there is a moment when two of the teenagers are kissing and the girl unzips the boy's pants. He stops her and reminds her that this is not the time or place.
I give Beyond the After! 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. Despite some of the warnings above, I believe the content is consistent with standards in 2023 for most teenage films. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
Beyond The After is a very creative allegory that takes characters through a portal, where they reflect on their behaviors and are rewarded for their integrity.
I like the premise that good and bad behaviors are rewarded and punished. As much as I don't like the idea of "punishing" someone, it is important to hold people accountable for their actions and this story does just that. I like the spooky aspect of the story as well. I don't like horror, but this film scares you just enough to create suspense and drama. The story is somewhat confusing, but like many films, the end justifies the means.
Great script, terrific camera operators, wonderful music, and production design. Congratulations! The camera work is great and there are several scenes that reveal true emotion while placing the actors in gorgeous, or by contrast, hideous locations. The main title sequence has some animation and is beautiful. Costumes are completely appropriate for the time and storyline. Remember, these are teenagers in jeans and T-shirts. The "grim reaper" is attired quite believably! The locations are well chosen. The underscore music is great -- I'm a composer so I know of what I speak. The initial music uses instrumentation and synthesizer to build tension and empathy. There is also an appropriate amount of silence. When the young boy is singing I noticed that the editor mixed the source (music coming from the scene) and the underscore (music that is background audio). There are some editing tricks and visual effects that flash in and out of the film, but most of the surreal story is filmed realistically, or in real time. As for the acting, Will (Dash Melrose), Kambden (Jake Melrose) make very believable brothers. Actually, The entire cast all excel at portraying their roles. There are many characters and absolutely everyone is terrific, so let me just say, great job team! As a composer, truthfully I like the first five minutes of the opening music. I also like the negative energy between the "grim reaper" and the girl stranded in the "in between." Their discovery of who each other is unlocks all of the mysteries of the movie, which ends with some truly loving moments.
The film's message is in the opening title: Sometimes, we don't understand the magnitude of our decisions until we're faced with their consequences. Be aware that there is some profanity, including the F word one time. Also, there is a moment when two of the teenagers are kissing and the girl unzips the boy's pants. He stops her and reminds her that this is not the time or place.
I give Beyond the After! 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. Despite some of the warnings above, I believe the content is consistent with standards in 2023 for most teenage films. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
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