Abstract:
AfterLife (2003) is a heartfelt drama depicting the complex relationship between Kenny, an investigative journalist, and his sister Roberta, who has Down syndrome. Kenny must confront his familial obligations and past resentments when their mother's health deteriorates. Simultaneously, he grapples with a challenging professional investigation. Amidst these struggles, a shocking revelation draws the siblings closer, leading to a profound bond of trust and understanding, ultimately redefining their connection in the face of adversity.
Details:
The movie portrays the relationship between Kenny, an ambitious journalist, and his sister Roberta, who is about to celebrate her 21st birthday and has Down syndrome. Roberta still lives with their mother, May, supervised and cared for by her, in a small Scottish town near the coast. Her brother Kenny, a “writer who writes words,” as described by Roberta, shares a rocky relationship with his mother. He rarely visits his family but is obliged to visit after his mother sprains her ankle and consequently can’t look after his sister. While he is there with the intention of helping his mother and sister, in reality, he does not have time for either. He is so occupied that he does not have time to play Bingo with his sister, which is her favourite game. He is also investigating the case of a professor, Dr. Wilkinshaw, who allegedly assisted people in their intention to die by suicide in Switzerland. He wants to schedule an interview with him, but the professor is unwilling to talk about his position at the organisation “AfterLife.”
While things seem to be complicated on the professional front for Kenny, he faces problems on the personal front, too. When his mother confides in him that she has terminal cancer, he offers to care for his sister, but she refuses his offer, as Roberta often disappeared or ran away when Kenny was in charge. Fearing that Kenny would put Roberta in a nursing home for the rest of her life, May decides to die by suicide and take Roberta with her. She decides to do the deed with the help of poisoned hot chocolate. However, Roberta becomes aware of her mother’s plan and manages to drug only her mother’s cup. When Kenny arrives home, he is terrified to find their motionless bodies. Roberta opens her eyes and explains that she only went to sleep, but their mother would sleep forever. These incidents bring the siblings closer and forge a strong and trustful relationship.
