Aftermath is the story of a tragic plane crash between two commercial airliners. As a result there are 271 lives lost. Among them the wife and pregnant daughter of the Russian foreman Roman (Arnold Schwarzenegger). Don’t expect staggering images of the accident with explosive footage and anxiously screaming passengers. The only image you’ll see of the incident is that of Jake (Scoot McNairy) in the control tower looking bewildered at his screen where the two symbols of the particular line flights disappeared. No, the film focuses on the aftermath (hence the title) and the impact the accident has on the two people involved.
At first, I thought the plane accident was the result of a plot and the phone was deliberately sabotaged. In short, I actually expected a suspenseful thriller where Arnold Schwarzenegger could give someone a piece of his mind. However, don’t expect an action-packed movie. Aftermath is a slow-burner in which dealing with loss and guilt are key. A film focusing on central themes as grief and self-pity after a traumatic experience. It’s a thorough character study of two people whose life collapsed because of this tragic accident. But underneath these emotions that feeling of revenge simmers and you wait for that obvious confrontation between the victim and the one who caused all the suffering.
The only thing Roman wants, is someone apologizing and simply saying “We’re sorry”. It’s a collage with images of a mourning Schwarzenegger and Scoot McNairy who can’t handle his fatal error. Their emotional state is the reason why they can’t function properly. Roman hides away and is no longer able to perform anything meaningful. He spends his nights sleeping on the grave of his deceased relatives. Jake retreats into a cocoon of self-pity and reproach. It ends up in an unmanageable family situation and a short-term breakup initiated by his wife (Maggie Grace).
Schwarzenegger once again amazes me with a character role in a drama. Earlier he demonstrated this in Maggie. It’s an actor who has his limitations and he won’t be associated quickly with roles where one’s character is more important than brutal violence. Here he proves that he can handle this as good as showing his impressive muscles. The latter is not so evident anymore, considering his age. Not only his face is grooved by age. Also, his butt doesn’t look as tight anymore as seen in a shower scene. Clear evidence that even an infamous action-hero can’t be saved from aging. But the moment he’s sitting opposite some insensible lawyers who talk to him in a disparaging tone, Schwarzenegger shows again how intimidating he can be. Without a doubt, the most fascinating scene from the entire movie.
Aftermath is now available on DVD and via streaming services.
Peter Pluymers
For more of Peter Pluymers’ movie reviews, check out My Opinion as a Movie-Freak
Other reviews you might enjoy:
David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television
