Greetings again from the darkness. Screenwriter Sarah Conradt must think mothers possess superhero emotional strength, if we are to judge by her two most recent films – this one and MOTHER’S INSTINCT (also 2024). In this feature film directorial debut from long-time producer Robert Salerno, the mom is really put through the ringer – and we are right there with her.
Claire (Connie Britton, “Nashville”, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, 2004) beams proudly as her fifteen-year-old daughter, Robin (Freya Hannan-Mills), plays piano in church. Claire also rolls her eyes when her ex-husband/Robin’s dad (Giovanni Cirfiera) walks in as the performance nears conclusion. We learn Robin has been non-verbal since age 5, yet she’s a talented enough pianist to be invited to audition for conservatory.
Claire and Robin have a loving mother-daughter relationship, although Claire seems a bit overprotective at times. Things turn bonkers when Robin is involved in a horrible bicycle accident and is dead for 20 minutes before being miraculously resuscitated at the hospital. Claire is relieved her prayers were answered, however, as so often happens with ‘miracles’, there’s a catch. See, Robin can now speak. Only that’s not the catch. Claire begins to notice Robin’s personality is nothing like it was before the accident. Is this due to the trauma or something more sinister from beyond? I believe the film’s title provides a clue.
Religion is on display throughout the film and in many forms. Also on display is Connie Britton’s RWF (in contrast to RBF). Ms. Britton excels at a constantly ‘worried’ look, and is well cast to play the mother role in a film written by Sarah Conradt. Of course, we do discover why Claire has been carrying around all this guilt. It’s also the reason why Robin initially stopped talking at an early age. The final act works off of a tremendously interesting premise, and some will find the execution a bit too artsy for this type of movie, while others will appreciate the approach.
Opening in select theaters and on digital September 13, 2024
Movie Reviews from the Dark 
An excellent review. Another movie that I have not heard of but will keep a look out for. I love movies about mothers and their relationships with children. Such films often remind me of my bond with my own mother. For instance, the story for “Here After” brought to mind Greta Gerwig’s film “Lady Bird”. While it’s a totally different type of film, it shares a common theme of mother-daughter relationships. I absolutely loved “Lady Bird” and its depiction of a complicated mother-daughter relationship. So, I will definitely keep “Here After” on my list of movies to see. Thanks for the strong film recommendation.
Here’s why I loved “Lady Bird”:
Thank you so much for your positive review! It’s been a bit tricky with reviews and audience expectations, because the trailer does suggest a horror film, which it isn’t. But we’re very happy with our little film about guilt, forgiveness, and finding redemption beyond our personal demons that forever pursue and shadow us until we’re willing to turn and face them. Thank you for getting it. – SC
You are an extremely talented writer, and I’ve been impressed by both of your feature films. Wishing you continued success.