Writer: Low Yuen Yim

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Watch this if you liked: “Big Fish”, “Burn After Reading”, “Disgrace”

When we die, what happens afterwards? When we leave, what happens to our loved ones afterwards? Based on Guillaume Musso's 2004 novel of the same name 'Et après...', we see death and dying via 'messengers' who can tell when a person is going to leave earth and it is up to them to help the prepare the person by pointing out unfinished business.

The film starts off with a fast pace but tends to drag along with a couple of flashbacks throughout the whole movie. When Nathan was eight years old, he was involved in an accident while trying to save a little girl. Miraculously he woke up after being declared dead. Fast-forward to the present day and Nathan (Romain Duris, "The Spanish Apartment", "The Beat That My Heart Skipped") is a successful New York lawyer who went through a painful divorce from his wife, Claire (Evangeline Lilly, TV's 'Lost'). One day, a mysterious man who addresses himself as Dr. Kay (John Malkovich, "Dangerous Liaisons", "Changeling") shows up claiming that he knows when a person's time on earth is going to end.

The versatile Romain Duris does well again in his first English-speaking role and his anguish as a workaholic whose success at the expense of his wife and daughter is well portrayed. Evangeline Lilly in her first feature-length debut only gets a few scenes, all which doesn't really leave an impact on the film, so don't get your hopes up, 'Lost' fans! John Malkovich entertains as usual; and it's amusing to read that he's only in the movie because his production house was asked to provide logistical support for the film and he ended up reading the script!

"Afterwards" is a mazy affair that may leave viewers confused, especially with the flashbacks. This is a film that requires attention and putting the puzzle together, so if you don't have the luxury of watching it on a DVD, do keep your mind sharp in the cinema!

Cinema Online, 13 May 2010