AFTER (A LOVE STORY) | Omeleto
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- A couple tries to overcome trauma.
AFTER (A LOVE STORY) is used with permission from Clare Cooney. Learn more at clare-cooney.com.
A couple is attending counseling together. Formerly close and affectionate with one another, Charlie and Edie are having trouble in the aftermath of a terrifying event. Not only do they have to reckon with the attack itself, but how it's affected them, both separately and as a couple.
But as their session unfolds, neither partner knows how to bridge the gap between them. They have to be completely honest with one another about their deepest, most difficult feelings, or else risk growing even further apart.
Directed by Clare Cooney from a script written by Alyssa Thordarson (who also plays the co-lead role of Edie), this quietly affecting short drama captures a couple whose bond has frayed in the wake of a shocking incident. The narrative focuses not on the event itself, but on its aftermath, captured in a particularly painful session of counseling. But as the couple talks, we also see flashes of their happy life in the past, along with the ordinary events leading up to the incident itself. Though we never see the act that tears them apart, we feel how it shatters this warm, grounded portrait of a loving marriage.
This balance of happiness with the aftereffects of the event finds beautiful expression in both the visuals and the writing. The look and feel of the film are clear, natural and rich, but the angles and composition sometimes skew off-kilter, creating notes of visual discomfort and disconnection echoed in Charlie and Edie's present-day dialogue, particularly in counseling. It's sharply observant on how a seemingly open willingness to talk in therapy still can hide thornier, more difficult emotions and truths.
Actors Glenn Stanton and Thordarson peel back these layers in nuanced, honest performances, going to places of raw, riveting vulnerability. Charlie in particular doesn't want to open up, not wanting to take away from Edie's experience or add to her distress. His reticence is well-intentioned, but it's also creating a distance between him and his wife, just when she needs him the most. This distance is almost as distressing in its way as the attack itself -- and may actually push this relationship to a breaking point.
True to its title, AFTER (A LOVE STORY) portrays how a couple is fractured in the wake of shock, but also how they heal together. The story has moving, compassionate insights into how pain is carried under the surface of normal lives. It also shows the ripple effects on loved ones, from the uncertainty of how to speak about the event to their sense of helplessness and shame. But ultimately, the film is a love story, with insights into intimacy and mutual care. And not just a love story about a couple -- it's also a loving testament to honoring how courageous it is to move beyond the shadow of grief and fear without letting it define their lives going forward.
This was both very powerful emotionally and executed with great subtlety and restraint. I so appreciate the choices of both the writer and director to leave specifics of the trauma to the viewer’s imagination rather than supplying something graphic. It made things far more foreboding and definitely caused me to identify with the experiences of both main characters. A great example of less is much more.
thank you so much, Chris! means so much to me.
Well, thank you for saying what was exactly in my mind.
The easy part, in my mind, was to cast two young, attractive people with a previously loving relationship. I'm thinking of Mr and Mrs Joe Blow like my parents.
I was made to think of my dad who came home from the war heavily traumatised and he never recovered. The services didn't exist in those days and would have been overwhelmed if they had. The whole family was damaged.
Hi everyone! I’m Alyssa, writer/producer of this film & actor playing Edie. Happy to answer any questions if you have them. Thank you for all your comments so far! Really appreciate you.
This is really well crafted.
Very moving. Everyone's acting was awesome and the script was excellent. I think it's wonderful as to the insight you have into the male perspective. A very fine work.
First of all I must say Alyssa ; you are a so beautiful! I enjoyed it very much. Well written and played. Good luck!!
It was painful to watch. Thank you for providing us a glimpse of what the victims of traumatic events go through individually as well as a family. The process of healing is equally painful as the wound itself.
Very moving…
You nailed it with your acting skills.
It brought me to my own life experiences with my husband that still haven’t been resolved after being married for 34 years.
We didn’t have the same traumatic experience,
We still have love because we’ve been married for so long, but the closeness, touching, trust and friendship is basically non existent.
The only reason we haven’t parted is because we share our money, our two adult children are still living with us and we are both too old and tired to get out of the situation.🥺😭
Hi everybody, I'm Clare Cooney, the director & editor of AFTER (A LOVE STORY). Thanks so much for watching, feel free to ask any questions. I hope you enjoy the film and share it with your friends :)
It's a well crafted film. Keep doing it! All the best!
Hi Claire...such a profound movie.
I loved all the characters. Underneath anger is almost always sadness... 😔. My questions I didn’t understand the scene in the bathroom with the thump and then he wasn’t there. Can you explain...
Wonderful job all of you!...
Amazing work!
A beautiful movie it was. However I lacked some humor in it. I know the topic was fragility of them both, yet can it be crafted in a less heavy-hearted manner? Thank you.
Such powerful longing. The actors were intentional and yet free in their expressions of pain. Well done. Well directed.
Make a movie about a mid-twenties couple where the husband has a stroke and nearly dies and the wife has to go from "oh, he's having a migraine" to " he might very well be a vegetable for the rest of his life. Show how the wife has to fall in love again with her husband because the stroke killed off the part of her husband's brain where his personality is. Show how the couple stays together, has two kids and now 15 years later, they are still like two strangers living together. Make a movie about my life. I still struggle everyday and I want something more for my marriage. Have had multiple therapists, many antidepressants but nothing makes it right again.
Oh angela😢 im so sorry to hear this..
Wow, powerful acting by the man playing Charlie. As an SA thriver-I rarely ever see the men's perspectives in the media. Especially when men are in relationships w/ their partners who went through SA as an adult. His acting was so clear, and those involuntary moments deepened the connection with the performers and us an audience.
It’s funny, after going through traumatic events - especially when it involves SA - most people are stuck feeling guilty. As if what happened is their fault, even though it isn’t.
I once read this feeling is connected to the brain’s attempt at survival: By making them feel guilty about what happened, it will (in theory) stop it from happening again. It’s the brain’s way of saying "You made a mistake. Next time you’ll have to do differently".
However, in cases like these, the one at fault is never the victim. The fault lies entirely with the perpetrator, as it was their choice to create the situation. They’re the one who’s in the wrong. Never forget that.
Very interesting. Assuming fault for the crime as a means of taking back control/authority. Tragic
@@samrusoff That’s a good way to put it. SA is usually used as a method to gain total control over the victim. It’s not about s*x, it’s about power.
In that case it makes sense that the victim will react that way, as it is a strategy of gaining back their power over themselves.
What's funny in it?
@spirals 73 Wao. Woman.
I like how this writer was able to point out how that the pain of sexual trauma/abuse is often felt even more so after the fact than during the moment…when if you say something (or they already know as this woman’s husband did) people around you treat you like you are untouchable and if you don’t you have to live with a secret…it’s a horrible loneliness either way. You see it in the pain on this woman’s face all the way to the end. It’s familiar to many. 😕
Someone once told me that trauma can bring people together or the complete opposite.
"When tragedy occurs, sometimes couples grow apart. They let big and small things get between them. Perhaps they want to grieve alone, or life just seems too hard and they are longer motivated to deal with life, and so they simply stop communicating"
Every time I watch this, I'm floored by the subtlety and nuance that both of y'all are able to bring to Edie and Charlie.
you're the best.
Where there’s respect and love, there’s a chance. Great story and a very good acting. Love it. 👍
♥️♥️♥️
I was waiting for him to hold her hand
Same
This short film felt authentic. The actors were great! I feel sorry for any couple that experiences trauma due to interlopers breaking into the home and physically and emotionally violating them. I also notice that some couples move away from one another when a child is severely lll or dies. Trauma of any kind unfortunately doesn’t bring all couples closer together.
Uh, this hardly a “romance film” beautiful piece about trauma , fear and love
Depends on what you define as romance.
It's not about everything they said or what was right or wrong about it. The therapist was really good. The idea to face each other was key. That it all led into the depths of the event itself... This was psychologically rich. And sort of a happy ending.
That would be tormenting.
This film was so honest, so tragic... Beautifully acted and directed. I feel loss not getting the next chapter, but maybe that is the perfection of this story.
Now THAT is acting.
Amazing!
And beautifully conceived, written and executed.
oof :( I don't even want to think about how tough this would be for a couple
I've been in relationships with SA survivors but the dark day happened years before I met them. That's tough too.
If we could just string up every single predator that'd be the day
That's some of the best acting i have ever seen
Thanks so much, Kevin!
The therapist is one of the better ones that I've seen in movies. Touching film ❤
What happened to them was awful! Glad the writer let us imagine the SA instead of attempting to create scenes from it. The film ended with me feeling like there was a good chance that they could move past this trauma, but at the same time, I had this sinking feeling that Charlie likely wouldn't be able to.
I think there's hope for the future for them , and i'm glad aswell that we didn't see the SA or the men breaking in aswell . Some things are better left unseen or for people's imagination instead, especially involving trauma like that .
Fabulous work. Congrats to all involved! Touching and vulnerable. Lots of hope here.
thank you so much, Callie.
Gosh i could feel the tension
I am not a fan of romance films but this easily has become one of my favorite short films regardless of genre. Great work all around. So lucky to have seen this!
This is categorised wrong this is definitely not a romantic movie
That kind of anger and pain is seething.. it gnaws inside all the time. There is no way to get the retribution the anger seeks. It is pervasive, corrupting, and demoralizing. Knowing that anger is preventing you from loving someone like you used to is agonizing. It eats at your mind. It's not as easy as just letting it go because it clings to you.
I'm no therapist and my experience isn't exactly the same as this, but I assure you that it hurts to know someone you love has been hurt.... moreso when it's a violation.
Bless the men and women with the strength to hold on through that, make that re-connection, heal each other, and move on together. Personally, I like that this film portrays the difficulties men in particular may face. In no way do I diminish the trauma woman feel also, but that pain manifests differently in men and can be extremely difficult. The emotional response wouldn't be as disabling if the love wasn't the utmost. To love so much can indeed be a vulnerability. We all need time to heal.
I really, really wanted him to take her hand at the end.
Same! I REALLY wanted to see that. Though I think that was intentional.
@@paulabrown6840 it was :) I didn’t want to pretend to an audience that these kinds of issues could be fixed so quickly, but at the same time, I think there’s a lot of hope in the bittersweetness. Thank you for watching 💛
@@paulabrown6840 Yeah the hands were so prominent in the frame they compelled you to stare at them more than the actors faces even.
This short is proof that Chicago is a hotspot for indie film and incredible talent !!
The other night I couldn't sleep.i watched so many of theses in a row!
Beautifully done Alyssa. This was delicately handled with so much tenderness and nuance. I'm really excited to see what you do next.
Thank you so much! ❤
Well done Alyssa. I have no experience with this. I try to put myself in their place but cannot fathom seeing my partner as tainted after an assault like this.
It's not that he sees her as "tainted." It's hard to explain, but it is more like he sees himself alternately in the role of the male perpetrators, or as a powerless little boy. He's lost his sense of feeling like a man, which he hasn't had to think about in years, and is having a really hard time reconnecting to that masculinity that is now tainted both by the actions of the perpetrators, and his helplessness. Male sexuality involves a certain amount of an aggressive instinct, which he finds difficult to give any space to after being so viscerally confronted with the worst and most extreme kind of male aggression. But he also finds it difficult to 'go back' and act as if nothing happened without feeling emasculated by the situation. As depicted he can be her friend and her comforter and handle her with kid gloves, but it's not a place from which he can feel confident in any kind of sexual way.
I'm not sure if that helped at all, but I can feel what the person in that position feels. It's very hard to put into words though.
@@pumpkinhill4570 YES! That was helpful. You brought a lot of Insight I had not thought about. Well said. Thank you.
The world could do with a lot less hurting and more healing.
Gosh, this was so sad.. i hope this fictional couple's doing better. 💯
ahahaha
Beautiful, heartbreaking and honest. Wonderful film.
Amazing work, everyone! Great performances by all and beautifully shot as well. Bravo!
I really like Alyssa in the film, her character role , her beautiful face ,, hair & her roleplay was very touching.
Wow, beautiful, profound and moving.
Excellent, Many Thanks!! Peace From London. 🙏🙏🙏
Fantastic short film with great performances. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Great performances! A really compelling look at the lingering effects of trauma.
Simply amazing! Thank you to everyone involved.
Strong screenplay great performance
The only upsetting thing about this film is that it’s too short.. other that it’s a breath taking piece of art. WHY ARE THE GOOD ONES SOOOO SHORT 🤣 😢
Amazing acting.
Very real to life.
The moments that count
are never quite understood?
Love does conquer ALL.
Men are bred for the purpose
of protecting their female.
We would possibly prefer death
than not to succeed.
Prayer is always helpful
for healing.
Communication
is the answer.
I have been following Clare Cooney and Alyssa Thordarson for some time now, and I am such a fan!!!!!
Leah thank you so much!!!
Hey Y'all - Just excellent work. Beautifully rendered on every level.
thank you so, so much, Larry! really appreciate it.
Such an incredible group of collaborators and creators
Wow so powerful, I can see it from both sides. This was something neither of them could ever forget. OMG No matter how much you love someone a vialation of your soul mate will leave an unrepairable scar.
That last shot! I just wanted him to hold her hand.
Excellent acting. If this is based on an actual event, we’re these creeps ever found and charged?Should be castrated.
This one was hard to watch. I could not understand Charlie's logic. Then it occurred to me in a delayed flash, that his reasoning is quite plausible...much to my own biases. Too much crap from full feature movies can skew one's perception of the many intrinsic possibilities to life, as his reaction to Edie's assault. learned something here, and that makes for a great film!
Spellbinding Congrats to all - the writer, director, actors, make-up artist (for all I know) ...
Very Hitchcockian, less is more as cptoft says. The best monster is the one you don't see.
I know what it’s like to be assaulted all I wanted was to be comforted not feel alone or feel like my partner getting distant that what happens after it happens
Glued,🤔😳
Loved the way it on unfold 👁️❤️👁️
Wonderful, such truth. Powerful.
Phenomenal work by everyone involved.
OMELETO ROCKS!!!!🔥
I watched a short film on youtube a couple years ago and it was really good but i can’t remember what its called. Its about a couple that goes on a road trip or something and the girlfriend has to pee really bad, so the boyfriend pulls the car over and the girlfriend walks out into the woods to go pee. the boyfriend starts to get worried cuz shes been gone for a while, so he goes to look for her. He cant find her and he keeps looking. then he comes across a cabin and asks if they have seen his girlfriend and they invite him inside. The girlfriend is already inside and its a good plot twist cuz it turns out the girlfriend and this random dude are working together to kill the boyfriend. please help find it. i saw it on youtube.
Excellent at all levels...
The films that came after the French content have been nothing but A+ rated; unilaterally!
Great film, wonderful pair!
Really beautiful film. ❤️
Brilliant acting! - Did not understand that last scene - was that after you saw the marriage counselorOr before?
Oh same here.
it’s after-in their new place :)
Good script, lovely directing/acting. Kudos! Not sure I liked the irresolute ending, even if it felt somewhat upbeat thanks to the music, but equally unsure if a more definite finish would have been better. Life is like that, isn't it?
that's the idea! We feel like real life is a little too complex to tie up neatly after something like this, and this is just a part of their journey, not the end. So we didn't want to imply they've solved everything. I think they would need more time.
@@alyssathordarson I can accept that. Thank you so much for your reply! I think you all did a really great job with this piece. I'll be looking forward to everyone's future work!
@@MisterG2323 thank you for your thoughtful response to the film! Really appreciate everyone who has watched and engaged with the story. It’s very humbling
Home break in and she was assaulted. Horrible situation to be in.
Powerful! I know the story intimately, that's why I live alone.
You have to get strong and stop being a victim
@@NKdidit.24 wow a$$hole much, anyone who has been through anything traumatic needs to take their own time to heal at their own pace, and healing looks different for everyone
@@NKdidit.24Spoken like someone who's never been victimised.
It was a good film 📼. So the Woman was Paped by 2 Guys & her BF couldn't saved her. They both suffer a real Trauma. I only wished that they have held Hands 👐 at the end, when the guy gave her a Wine 🍷 glass.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
The couple misunderstand each other.
Why does it consist of ridiculous events ?
If it's that bad just break up
Already saw this on reddit I think
It’s only just been released on Sunday, so won’t have been anywhere else before then :)
I'm not a presumptuous person, so I have trouble figuring out the trauma. If I'm right though, if my two decorators made my place look like that, I'd be pretty pissed too.
Can someone give a tldr?
Here you go:
"A married couple survives a traumatic event. But their relationship may not."
Home invasion she r@ped husband feels like he let her down now he's scared to be intimate with her so now they are going to counselling
@@Maria.Mirabella lol
Seriously? For a short film?
Why are you even here?
Everyone is welcome 🙏
GREAT SUPERB EXCELLENT FILM! AWESOME! 👍🏻🏆🎖