After The Weekend

By: Gladys Luna

After the Wedding is a 2019 American drama film based on the 2006 Danish film of the same name (Efter brylluppet) by Susanne Bier. This remake has been brought by the pen and direction of the screenwriter, producer and director Bart Freundlich. Among the main cast of the film we can find Michelle Williams, Billy Crudup, Abby Quinn and Julianne Moore who has also engaged as one of the producers. We’ll be going through a quick exploration of the tale behind the film, the director’s own journey and the sarcastic game of existence through these character’s lives.

The film follows the life of Isabel (Michelle Williams), the co-founder of an orphanage in Kolkata, India and her attempts to earn a millionaire donation that would help her to accomplish her goal of providing a better life for all of “her kids.” Isabel holds a special relationship with one of the orphans, Jai (Vir Pachisia), who she has raised as if he was her own and that is one of the reasons the woman finds it hard to leave the place and go to New York to meet with Theresa (Julianne Moore), a wealthy entrepreneur and potential benefactor. What begins as the pursuit of a chance to continue with her work soon twists and turns into a very intriguing and interesting journey where ghosts from the past and the present intertwine shaking the ground when Isabel accepts the sudden invitation of Theresa to her daughter’s Grace (Abby Quinn) wedding that is supposed to happen over the weekend. A decisive and major change kicks in right at the moment Isabel sees Oscar (Billy Crudup), Theresa’s husband, and it becomes obvious that this has not been their first encounter.

As it is well known, Michelle Williams’ talent to keep us on edge of our seats remains untouched, managing to take our breaths away and leave our heart’s hanging on a thread with just one single glance – making us part of her character’s emotional ride. The “battle” of performances ensues when Julianne Moore’s story arch takes off offering us very heartbreaking and surprising moments as the film unravels. Billy Crudup’s character serves as a connection to spice up the dynamic and shows us the great chemistry he has with each one of the actresses. Abby Quinn doesn’t have it easy having to interact with this talented triad but delivers in a very surprising way, leveling up to her scene partners.

Bart Freundlich introduces us to a display of emotions through the characters’ eyes, putting us in their shoes and walking us through their personal paths. Often words fall short in comparison to the pile of feelings boiling inside the characters and sometimes they have seemed to be carried for so long that it ends up bursting into flames. Freundlich plays with the symbolism of life, death, attachment and irony and explores topics like parenthood, human relations and how often we take things for granted and underestimate life. This film offers us beautiful nature scenery and the mix of elements surrounding us, taking us to a ride through always crowed streets of India and New York as well as the pace of their life, people and culture.

After the Wedding is a film that manages to combine the essence of opposite worlds into one, creating a statement that pain, grief, happiness, regret, forgiveness and all kinds of human emotions exist and are experienced in the same way, regardless of the side of the earth you are in. The movie builds a beautiful compendium of stories that connect with one another in unexpected ways reminding us that there are certain ties that are not meant to be broken but survive through time and space patiently waiting to be reunited. This is a completely must-see film that needs to be read between the lines to taste the real meaning behind it. At times the movie has a slow pace, but I can assure you that it’s worth the wait. After The Wedding is a heart-wrenching story that will surely make you teary-eyed more than twice.