Immediately Afterlife (2014) User Reviews

One success, two failures

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 21 July 2015]

Let me start with the positive here: Troian Bellisario. I have seen several seasons of "Pretty Little Liars" and I believe she is maybe the most talented from the cast. In this 15-minute short film, it becomes painfully obvious that her range is several leagues above her co-star. She creates hew own character and I did not feel like I was watching her character from PLL. This is also where we get to the first negative aspect and it is Shay Mitchell. There was nothing in terms of her acting that made a difference to her role on PLL. Also she had 2 or 3 very cringeworthy moments. One would be when she randomly rambles about "hard drugs and meaningless sex". Her performance here was pretty bad I must say. And the final weakness is the script. The director and writer is credited here with "Hazart", the pretentious combination of the names of two filmmakers actually. The story is about two young women who were part of a suicide cult, but yet they survived the mass suicide event for whatever reason. One problem already is that the dialogs and characteristics of the two protagonists do not resemble 2 women who would enter such a cult at all I have to say. There goes the credibility. And apart from that, it's painful to see how "Hazart" tried to make this film so edgy and relevant with lots of truly pretentious talk and then at other times they include dialogs that prostitutes would use. I see no talent here in terms of writing and I am not the slightest bit curious about their upcoming projects. The only solid ingredient in this film is really Troian Bellisario. "Pretty Little Liars" fans can give this one a watch because of the actors, but everybody else can really do without it.

This one was definitely a surprise....

[vafla9 · 7/10 · 14 August 2016]

I started watching this film with no expectations. It turned out to be a quite enjoyable piece with some memorable quotes. All though I think it could probably do better as a theater piece the two main actresses still manage to keep you interested with their characters contrasting personalities and banter. All though the film didn't offer anything new when it comes to spirituality or idolizing false prophets, it summarized religious cult up nicely, all though rather simplified, and had some irony of faith along the way. I would recommend this piece for someone looking for a a short film that focuses on one-to-one communication and perhaps theater students looking for a 2-4 person piece to practice.

Intriguing and Captivating

[violin_cutie_pie · 10/10 · 15 January 2015]

I originally watched Immediately Afterlife because it starred Troian Bellisario and Shay Mitchell, two of my favorite actresses. But after watching the movie, I would say that the reason I thoroughly enjoyed it was not just due to their wonderful acting, but also because this movie made me introspect as well as wonder about the world and the real meaning of religion. I watched it without knowing what it was going to be about, and I think this helped me connect more openly with Marissa and Bennett because they did now know the whole truth of what was going on. The whole film deals wonderfully and respectfully with a sensitive topic while also providing an astute criticism of religious practices. Troian and Shay act flawlessly, providing a believable characterization that captures you in its mystery and delusion. The way the movie plays out the characters of Bennett and Marissa as two opposing personalities provides a contrast of blind devotion and curious skepticism. I found this short film so incredibly insightful that I am still thinking about it and its meaning. The artful opening makes you think and contemplate, and the ending truly shows how disastrous "devout" practices like religious wars and cult suicides can be. This is a movie that makes you feel, that makes you think. It makes you stop and go, Oh, I may not have it right after all. If you're looking for a deep and insightful movie that makes you think about the world, then I highly recommend Immediately Afterlife.

Interesting and different

[azalea-03842 · 10/10 · 23 July 2015]

This short film was confusing at first. I did not understand what it was about until I watched it a third time. It keeps you thinking the entire time. What it's like to live and what It could be like to move on from life. The way they described life was interesting. One girl wanted to follow the traditions of her cult and move on from life while the other wanted to accept the fact that they are alive and given a second chance at life. The two main characters (Shay and Troian) did a great job portraying their characters. The film was great but some of the cussing wasn't necessary. Other than that it makes you think and wonder what you would do if you were in their situation.

Interesting short film

[francoischristana · 8/10 · 10 May 2021]

I wish this film was longer! Marissa and Bennett struggling to comprehend their fate, I feel like this is an important topic to discuss with your love ones. This movie showed a good example of not knowing what your signing up for but just being manipulated.