‘Aftermath’ (2024) Movie Review - A Very Childish Action Film

Aftermath seems to be a tense and emotionally charged action-thriller that follows war veteran Eric Daniels as he struggles with the invisible wounds of combat while facing an immediate, life-threatening crisis. Having returned to the U.S. after the war, Eric is a shadow of his former self, tormented by PTSD. The psychological trauma is evident in his detached demeanor and fractured relationship with the world around him. He now lives with his teenage sister, the only family he has left, and both are searching for a new normal amidst the chaos that war has left behind.

But the peace Eric so desperately craves is shattered when he and his sister become ensnared in a terrifying hostage situation. On their way through Boston’s iconic Tobin Memorial Bridge, a heavily armed group of ex-military revolutionists seize control of the bridge, taking everyone captive. At the helm of this militia is the enigmatic and fearsome Romeo, whose presence is as unsettling as it is commanding. While it’s unclear what the group’s true intentions are, Romeo's control over the situation is palpable, and his constant appearances on camera create a looming sense of dread.

As the hostages’ situation becomes more dire, Eric is forced to confront not only his external enemies but also the internal battles that have been raging since his return from war. The action sequences are brutal, with Eric being pushed to his limits both physically and mentally. His PTSD is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing force that he must contend with as he fights to keep himself and his sister alive.

The film deftly weaves between Eric's flashbacks of wartime horrors and the present-day nightmare on the bridge. His hallucinations and breakdowns blur the lines between reality and trauma, adding psychological depth to the action. Despite his struggles, Eric finds himself rising to the occasion, using the combat skills that once haunted him to outsmart and overpower the revolutionists.

Aftermath is a gripping exploration of how war can fracture the human psyche and the lengths one man will go to protect those he loves—even when he’s not sure he can save himself.

The film is overloaded with action scenes, which initially might capture attention but quickly become overwhelming and repetitive. As the barrage of explosions, shootouts, and chases continues, the excitement fizzles out, leaving viewers feeling fatigued rather than exhilarated. By the time the movie reaches its midpoint, it starts to drag, losing the momentum it initially seemed to promise. The pacing is uneven, and what could have been a tightly woven action-thriller ends up feeling slow and stretched out.

While the cast, including Dylan Sprouse, Mason Gooding, and Nick Apostolides, deliver commendable performances, their efforts are ultimately undercut by a weak and underdeveloped plot. Each actor brings depth and commitment to their roles, but the script doesn’t give them enough to work with. Sprouse, in particular, does a great job of portraying the emotional weight of his character, but the story’s lack of urgency leaves his journey feeling stagnant.

The film also struggles with maintaining audience engagement because of its sluggish narrative. Despite the frequent action sequences, there’s a surprising lack of tension. The scenes lack a sense of purpose, and instead of building up to something meaningful, they feel more like filler. The story never fully takes off, which makes it hard to stay invested.

In the end, while the cast shines individually, the film as a whole falls short due to its pacing issues and over-reliance on repetitive action scenes. What could have been an intense, character-driven thriller instead becomes a tiring watch. The performances deserve a better, more compelling plot to truly bring the story to life.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times