If you went to the movies expecting to see Eastwood's take on
Sixth's Sense style sci-fi, like some previews might have led you to, you were certainly disappointed.
Hereafter is an interesting character-drama that deals with the biggest mystery of all: death. Three stories are interwoven throughout the film and only at the end do they come together. Each story centers around a character who, for some reason, is haunted by mortality: one because of a near-death experience, one for a special 'gift' and one, the endearing little Marcus, because of the loss of the person closest to him. What makes the film special is that all these characters are in desperate need for answers, and the movie doesn't really provide any. Actually, there is an overall message of hope, that is, basically that you're not alone, because your loved ones stay with you, in some mysterious way. But the most important thing the film stresses is the falsehood of living pretending that death doesn't exist. Taking the question about afterlife seriously can only mean, for all these characters, changing the way they live their lives in some way. This is especially obvious with the character of the French journalist, but also the others are affected by death in the way one can only be affected by a fact that touches him personally, and not by thought or abstract speculation. Though it doesn't reach the peaks of
Million Dollar Baby or
Gran Torino, this movie raises questions that are crucial, without the pretense of offering an easy answer, in a way that is respectful of the mystery dealt with and at the same time compassionate towards the characters. Matt Damon is very convincing as an unwilling medium, as is Cècile De France as the reflective but tough French Journalist, but the most moving scenes involve the young twins Frankie and George McLaren. There are some weak spots, script-wise, like the abrupt exit of Bryce Dallas Howard's character, or the last scene, that isn't quite satisfying. But Eastwood also delivers a spectacular Tsunami action scene - which proves special effects aren't only for 3D aliens - and a range of moods from cheery (the cooking class scenes) to mournful.
Hereafter also posesses something that is a rare trait when dealing with such a heavy topic: grace.
