“Here After”

“Here After,” directed by Robert Salerno, attempts to weave a tapestry of religion, miracles, trauma, and forgiveness with a premise that shows promise but falls victim to a stretched narrative and uninspired execution. It’s a movie that attempts to grapple with profound themes but ends up being more about religious clichés and predictable plot twists, ultimately making it a missed opportunity at nearly every turn.

Claire (Connie Britton) is overjoyed when her daughter Robin (Freya Hannan-Mills) is miraculously revived after a supposedly fatal accident. It’s a shock to have Robin back, but Claire’s relief soon turns to dread as noticeable changes start to arise in the young woman’s behavior. Claire turns to her faith after she begins to suspect that something very dark and sinister has followed Robin back from the brink of death.

The film’s foundation is solid enough, but the story’s potential is undermined by a stretched plot and recycling tired themes that lack any new perspectives or insights. The movie leans heavily on Catholic symbolism that feels superficial rather than profound, especially as Salerno relies on religious imagery to prop up a one-dimensional narrative. The big twist is disappointingly predictable, and the themes of past sins and guilt-fueled demons are big yawners. Any ounce of suspense is undermined by heavy-handed foreshadowing, which leaves very little room for genuine surprises.

The performances don’t help things, either. Britton is a talented actor, but it appears she is simply going through the motions here rather than fully inhabiting her role. Her lackluster turn, coupled with Hannan-Mills’ ridiculously overdone sinister glares and head tilts that are more amusing than menacing, don’t come close to providing the anchor that’s needed during the film’s more dramatic moments. The amateurish effort from the cast contributes greatly to the overall low-level quality.

If your standards are low, then “Here After” is at least a watchable (and simple) thriller. But with performances that fail to elevate the material and a story that feels both overextended and underwhelming, I wouldn’t recommend wasting your time.

By: Louisa Moore