The Aftermath

Watch The Aftermath

"What comes after World War III?"
  • NR
  • 1983
  • 1 hr 35 min
  • 4.4  (978)

The Aftermath is a 1982 science fiction film that combines elements of post-apocalyptic survival with action and drama, reflected through the vision of director Steve Barkett, who also plays the lead role in the film. The movie, set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic global event, focuses on the journey of an astronaut returning to Earth, only to find it in ruins. The narrative centers on themes of resilience, the struggle for survival, and the human capacity for hope and rebuilding amidst desolation.

Barkett's character is an astronaut named Newman, who comes back from a space mission along with fellow astronaut Matthews, portrayed by actor Jim Danforth. Upon re-entry to Earth, they are confronted with a desolate landscape that has been fundamentally altered by nuclear war. The desolation is pervasive, with cities reduced to rubble and human civilization seemingly wiped out. Newman quickly realizes that the world he knew is gone, and he must adapt to the harsh new realities of life on a post-apocalyptic Earth.

In this new world, it becomes apparent that not all is lost. While wandering through the wasteland, Newman encounters a group of survivors. Among these is Sarah, portrayed by Lynne Margulies, who becomes an integral character in the story as she aids Newman in navigating this perilous new existence. Together with the ragtag band of survivors, Newman learns to cope with the perils of a world dominated by lawlessness and despair.

The movie's antagonist, Cutter, played by the prolific character actor Sid Haig, presents a significant challenge to Newman and the survivors. Cutter is a ruthless warlord, a remnant from the old world who prevails through intimidation and violence. His band of marauders perpetrates horror across the decimated landscape, scavenging for resources and exercising their brutal will upon any who cross their path. The conflict between Newman’s group and Cutter's gang forms the crux of the narrative's tension and action.

As opposed to being merely a tale of destruction and chaos, The Aftermath is also a story of human resilience. The small community of survivors works together to build a semblance of normalcy in a world turned upside down. They navigate through the complexities of trust, leadership, and the struggle for resources, all while dealing with the trauma of loss and the uncertainty of their existence.

The Aftermath delivers a blend of character-driven storytelling and standard genre motifs. Barkett's film incorporates the necessary action sequences that engage thrill-seekers, while at the same time, it delves into the psychological and moral questions that arise in the aftermath of civilization's collapse. The aesthetic of the film, while limited by the budget constraints typical of movies from the early 1980s, manages to create an atmosphere that is convincingly post-apocalyptic. Use of practical effects lends an authenticity to the ravaged landscapes and interactions between characters and their environment.

Steve Barkett carries the film with a performance that captures the essence of a classic hero archetype – the strong, silent type forced to become a leader and protector in the direst of situations. Margulies’ Sarah provides a poignant semblance of hope and humanity, grounding the narrative in emotional stakes. Sid Haig's portrayal of the menacing Cutter adds a layer of intensity and unpredictability that helps escalate the film’s dramatic tension.

The thematic elements of The Aftermath are reflective of the era in which it was made, marked by the anxieties of the Cold War and the nuclear threat. Yet, the film transcends its time by exploring timeless human themes around community, hope, and the capacity for good and evil to flourish in the face of great adversity. This exploration is carried out through dialogue and the actions of the film's characters, who each embody different responses to the post-apocalyptic setting.

The score and sound design work to enhance the emotive content of the film, with moments of silence and minimalism accentuating the loneliness and desolation of the setting. Conversely, more dynamic and foreboding musical cues amplify the action and danger, helping to build suspense.

In summary, The Aftermath is a post-apocalyptic science fiction film that interlaces action and drama with a focus on themes of survival, resilience, and the rediscovery of what it means to be human after a world-altering disaster. While the film follows some genre conventions, its character-centric narrative and reflection on human nature provide a depth that distinguishes it from a simple tale of survival against the odds. The film's raw portrayal of a decimated civilization, accompanied by the performances of Barkett, Margulies, and Haig, combine to create a tale that resonates with the fear and hope embodied in the human spirit.

The Aftermath is a 1983 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.

The Aftermath
Description
Where to Watch The Aftermath
The Aftermath is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent The Aftermath for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1983
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 35 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    4.4  (978)
Watch all of
Do you have Paramount+?
Ad Info
No thanks, I'm not interested in Paramount+