Afterward is a captivating documentary that delves into the themes of trauma, reconciliation, and the ability of humans to move past their wounds. The film is a profound exploration of the emotional and psychological aftermath of conflict and violence that has affected many individuals, families and societies worldwide. Directed by Ofra Bloch , Afterward follows the journey of three individuals - Bassam Aramin, an ex-Palestinian militant, Robi Damelin, an Israeli victim of terrorism and Mohammed Bakri, a Palestinian actor and director as they explore their own personal experiences with trauma and the ways in which they have worked to create understanding and healing in the aftermath of violence.
The story begins with Bassam Aramin's experience of incarceration and torture in an Israeli prison. Bassam's story highlights the deep-seated wounds and divisions that exist between Israelis and Palestinians as a result of the ongoing conflict in the region. Despite his difficult past, Bassam chooses to extend an olive branch to the Israeli community and enters into a dialogue with the mother of the Israeli soldier who killed his young daughter. This scene of reconciliation is a powerful and emotional moment that showcases the film's main theme of the power of forgiveness.
The camera then moves to Robi Damelin's experience of losing her son David, who was killed by a Palestinian sniper while serving in the Israeli military. Although Robi's story is heartbreaking, her journey towards finding common ground with Palestinians who have experienced trauma is hopeful and inspiring. She creates a group called 'Parents Circle - Families Forum', an organization that empowers and supports families affected by the conflict. The film shows Robi traveling to different parts of the world to share her story and connect with others who have experienced similar tragedies.
The third story that the film showcases is of Palestinian actor and director Mohammed Bakri. His narrative is different from the other two in that it highlights the ongoing cultural and political struggles of Palestinians living in Israel. Bakri's story provides an insightful look into the Palestinian community's complicated relationship with the Israeli government and how political policies have adversely affected the community's livelihood.
Additionally, the film features interviews with psychologists, sociologists, and leaders who have worked extensively with individuals who have experienced trauma. They offer a unique perspective on how trauma affects individuals and communities, reinforcing the notion of the vital importance of healing and resilience.
Visually, the film is stunning, as it features breathtaking scenes of Israel and the Occupied Territories, accompanied by a beautiful and poignant soundtrack. The use of juxtaposition throughout the film is extremely effective; for example, the serene beauty of the Dead Sea is intercut with scenes of violence and conflict, creating an emotional contrast that heightens the impact of the film's themes.
Overall, Afterward is an inspiring and crucial documentary that sheds light on the importance of peace, reconciliation, and understanding in a world that is plagued by violence and conflict. It shows that despite the deep-rooted wounds caused by traumatic experiences, one can create meaningful change and promote healing in individuals, families and communities. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human experience and the power of forgiveness.
Afterward is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.8 and a MetaScore of 66.
