AFTERMATH International Feature Competition

AFTERMATH is a mature, honest, unique debut feature from acclaimed actress Paprika Steen (OPEN HEARTS, OKAY).

How does one bear the unbearable? That is the question for Claes and Britt, a couple in their mid-30s, who lost their only child in a car accident. They are now struggling in separate ways to overcome their grief. Britt cannot talk about it. Claes can hardly talk about anything else. Burying herself in her job as a social worker, Britt becomes involved with a young single mother and her baby, to the point where she is far exceeding the bounds of professional interest. Claes, meanwhile, is unable to function at work and is sent home on leave. He does not tell Britt, but starts spending his days stalking the woman who ran over their daughter. The situalion is highly unstable for all of them. When Britt clashes with the young mother and Claes finally confronts the woman, it becomes clear that revenge cannot conquer grief.

A dynamically artistic film, AFTERMATH resonates with insight and skill. With fluid direction, the performances Steen extracts are complex and moving. She deftly explores the emotional landscape of love, loneliness and loss.