The After (2023)

The After short film centers on Dayo (David Oyelowo), a rideshare driver in London consumed by grief after losing his wife and young daughter to a brutal stabbing. Haunted by that traumatic moment, he goes through his days silently, listening to passengers’ conversations and clinging to his pain. During an airport pickup, a family with a child resembling his daughter reminds him of what he’s lost. Overcome with emotion, Dayo breaks down in tears on the sidewalk as he finally releases his grief.

Review & Reception

Short yet emotionally potent, The After is praised for its understated, heart-wrenching storytelling and Oyelowo’s quietly powerful performance:

David Oyelowo conveys profound pain without melodrama, letting moments of silence speak volumes

Direction and cinematography by Harriman showcase a photogenic visual style, particularly the poignant close-ups and use of natural light

Critics describe the short as “emotionally charged” and “hard-hitting,” though some note it leans toward sentimentality and leaves key character arcs unresolved due to its shorter format

Viewer reactions are polarized but deeply emotional:

“My wife and I were sobbing… One of the best shorts I have ever watched.”

Accolades & Recognition

The After has received multiple honors:

Best Live Action Short Film – HollyShorts Film Festival (Aug 2023)

Best Short Film – Astra Film Awards (Jan 2024)

Best Short Film – African American Film Critics Awards (Jan 2024)

Outstanding Short Form (Live Action) – NAACP Image Awards (Mar 2024)

Nominated for Best Live Action Short Film – 96th Academy Awards (Mar 2024)

It also earned nominations at São Paulo and Jeonju film festivals in the New Directors competition

Popularity & Impact

The film premiered at the HollyShorts Film Festival on August 10, 2023, and later screened at the BFI London Film Festival

Released on Netflix in October 2023, it garnered global attention and was widely shared across streaming platforms

Though brief, The After sparked emotional discussions on grief, loss, and mental health, especially around trauma related to violent crime.

Themes & Style

The film delves into:

Grief and emotional isolation, exploring how a single traumatic event can unravel a life.

The unspoken weight of shared everyday interactions, as Dayo absorbs the lives of his passengers yet remains hard to reach.

A cinematic style grounded in photography, using natural light and intimate framing to mirror Dayo’s internal breakdown

The After is a gripping, somber portrait of grief and human perseverance. Anchored by Oyelowo’s restrained performance and Harriman’s visual eye, its impact lingers. Garnering critical acclaim and prestigious award recognition—including an Oscar nomination—the film has become a significant short in exploring trauma and healing through empathy and visual storytelling.