Hereafter

Eastwood As Director Delivers Drama
Hereafter, PG-13, *****Plus, Matt Damon, , Cecile de France, Jay Mohr, Dallas Howard, George McLaren, Frankie McLaren, Thierry Neuvic, AMarthe Keller, Warner Bros. film. Director Clint Eastwood. Length 129 minutes.

This intelligent and excellent film explores what happens to people after they die. The sorrow of losing a loved one, and the devastation it has on family and friends bring this creative story to a new level.
It follows the lives of three individuals. Marie (Cecile de France) a reporter in France who asks the hard questions to her guests. Marie has just experienced a near death situation which changes her outlook on life. She is a very interesting character. It is obvious from the opening scenes that she is a compassionate and caring individual.
George (Matt Damon), as an individual living in San Francisco, who has the unusual ability to communicate with people who have departed this life. However, he no longer practices this uncanny gift unless he is coerced.
The other story is about Marcus (George McLaren), a young boy, who loses his twin brother Jason (Frankie McLaren). Like most siblings, Marcus depended on his brother for advice and help.
These three stories merge in a tight woven script that keeps the audience immersed in the story throughout its run time. It does not have a boring moment as the plot develops and merges the three lives of the above individuals together.
It raises questions about why some people die and others do not? What happens to people when they die? It demonstrates how death changes the lives of relatives and friends who are still living.
In this film, religion is not mentioned but a couple of times. It strictly deals with what happens to individuals who die and the sorrow of losing loved ones. Raising questions that are not solved, it delivers entertainment and thought provoking issues.
The viewer follows Marie as she struggles to find answers and to find purpose in her life. Marcus tries to cope with the loss of his brother, and George fights his unusual gift of communication with those who have left this earth.
The plot manages to keep the paranormal part of the film and the in-depth plot together with a clever and creative story.
The narrative is dramatic and heart wrenching. It shows how the lives of those left behind are changed forever after death takes loved ones.
The mother (Lindsey Marshall) of Marcus and Jason must cope with her problems which include addiction and her love for her children.
When George uses his talent to help the living, it seems to give those left hope and understanding concerning questions not solved while their loved ones were alive.
Do not allow the paranormal part of this film to stop the reader from seeing this excellent film, and what it has to say about life, death, and relationships.
Interesting parts of George’s life is his love for the works of Charles Dickens. He decides to take a class in cooking where he meets Melanie (Dallas Howard). These two parts of George’s life play a critical part in his journey.
I recommend this film to all interested in an engaging story and a plot that walks a thin line about the “Hereafter.” Take the walk and see great acting, creative scenes, and provoking thoughts that give the audience something to talk about with friends and loved ones.