Watch Aftermath

Aftermath is a gripping post-apocalyptic drama from director and writer Glenn Takakjian, released in 1990. Set in the aftermath of a nuclear war, the movie focuses on the struggles of a small group of survivors as they attempt to navigate the bleak and dangerous landscape that remains. The film's opening scenes introduce us to the main characters, including Ann (Cheryl Ladd), her husband Jason (Jeffrey DeMunn), and their friends Freddy (Frederick Coffin) and Paul (Albert Stratton). They are living in a quiet, suburban neighborhood, but as the threat of nuclear war looms ever closer, they realize that they must prepare for the worst.

When the bombs finally drop, the group manages to take shelter in Jason's underground bomb shelter. The characters' relationships are tested as they struggle to survive in the claustrophobic environment, with limited resources and no way to communicate with the outside world.

As the days stretch into weeks and then months, the survivors begin to venture out of the shelter in search of food and supplies. They emerge into a world that is almost unrecognizable, with once-familiar streets and buildings reduced to rubble.

The group discovers that a militant band of survivors led by the brutal Colonel Hogan (Robert Wisden) have taken control of the city. Hogan's men are armed and dangerous, and they prey on anyone who crosses their path.

Ann and her companions soon find themselves under siege from Hogan's forces. They must use all their wits and skills to evade capture and stay alive. Along the way, they encounter other survivors, some helpful and some dangerous.

As they journey through the desolate city, Ann and her friends confront not only the physical challenges of survival but the emotional toll of their situation as well. They face difficult choices, including whether to risk their own lives to help those in need and whether to trust strangers in a world gone mad.

One of the strengths of Aftermath is its portrayal of the survivors as flawed and realistic people. The characters are not heroic archetypes, but ordinary people forced to adapt to extraordinary circumstances. They make mistakes and have arguments, but they also show bravery and sacrifice when it matters most.

The film also explores themes of power and control in a world where the usual rules no longer apply. Colonel Hogan represents the worst of this world, using fear and violence to maintain his grip on the survivors. Ann and her friends, on the other hand, try to build a community out of mutual trust and cooperation.

The movie's visuals are appropriately bleak, with scenes of devastated landscapes and ruined buildings. The filmmakers use color effectively, highlighting the gray and brown tones of the post-apocalyptic world.

The performances are strong, with Cheryl Ladd delivering a standout turn as Ann. She portrays the character's resilience and resourcefulness with intelligence and depth. Jeffrey DeMunn and Frederick Coffin also turn in solid performances as Ann's husband and friend, respectively.

Overall, Aftermath is a tense and thought-provoking drama that explores the human condition in extreme circumstances. While it may not be a lighthearted watch, the film's engaging characters and themes make it worth seeking out for fans of post-apocalyptic stories.