The story is about three people living in different places - George Lonegan (Matt Damon) in San Francisco, Marie Lelay (Cecile de France) in Paris and 12-year-old Marcus (Frankie McLaren) in London. Predictably, they come together in the end, but the plot is a bit random; it's like watching three ordinary people taking unpredictable turns in life, which leads to their suddenly meeting.
The acting is rather disappointing. Damon's character is reluctant to go back to his old trade: giving readings for people of their dead families and friends. But he only tells us he does not want to do it again and fails to make us believe it. De France plays a successful French journalist who experienced the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Naturally, we expect her life to have changed after that, but her acting fails to make any emotional impact.
The only memorable characters are Marcus and his twin Jason (George McLaren), who live with their drug-addicted mother, whom they love dearly. When his brother dies, watching Marcus try to get in touch with him will make you cry.
Hereafter is a simple, quiet movie. But because it is so close to reality, it may disappoint those looking for a more dramatic film.
YP rating: 2/5