Watch The Afterglow

The movie The Afterglow, released in 2014, is a stirring drama that explores the complexity of human emotions and relationships. Directed and co-written by Ben Rider, the movie follows the story of a Hollywood filmmaker named Lawrence (played by Paul Coster) who returns to his hometown in Indiana after several years of working on big-budget movies. Lawrence is a successful filmmaker, but he is unhappy and disillusioned with his life, and he hopes to find solace and inspiration in his old stomping ground.

The Afterglow is a movie that is defined by its characters and their relationships, as Lawrence reconnects with his old high school flame, Zoe (played by Claudia Trujillo), and gets to know her teenage daughter, Claire (played by Sarah Tyler Shaw). Zoe is a single mother who works as a waitress, and she has long given up on her dream of becoming an artist. She is bitter and resentful towards Lawrence for leaving her behind and pursuing his ambitions, and she has reservations about rekindling their romance.

Despite Zoe's initial reluctance, Lawrence persists in trying to win her back, and they spend time together reminiscing about their past and sharing their hopes and fears for the future. Meanwhile, Lawrence takes an interest in Claire's artistic pursuits and helps her to develop her talent, forming a bond with her that becomes increasingly important to him as his relationship with Zoe becomes more complicated.

The Afterglow is a slow-paced, character-driven movie that relies on the strength of its performances to sustain the viewer's interest. Paul Coster delivers a nuanced performance as Lawrence, conveying the character's inner turmoil and conflicted emotions with subtlety and restraint. Claudia Trujillo is equally convincing as Zoe, capturing the character's vulnerability and resilience with depth and authenticity. Sarah Tyler Shaw is a revelation as Claire, infusing the character with a sense of youthful energy and optimism that stands in contrast to Lawrence and Zoe's jaded worldview.

The Afterglow is also a visually stunning movie, with cinematographer Drew Maw capturing the rugged beauty of Indiana's countryside with breathtaking skill. The movie is suffused with a sense of nostalgia and longing, a feeling that is amplified by the haunting score by composer Brooke Blair and Will Blair.

Overall, The Afterglow is a movie that will appeal to fans of character-driven dramas and indie films. It is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. While it may not be a movie for everyone, those who appreciate quiet, introspective films that prioritize mood and atmosphere over plot will find much to admire in this understated gem.

The Afterglow is a drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.