Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slow-paced but thoughtful dystopian sci-fi has peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Where to Watch
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2149: The Aftermath
What's the Story?
In 2149: THE AFTERMATH, it's nine years after environmental catastrophe made the outside world uninhabitable for humanity. Darwin lives near what used to be Toronto, and like everyone else, lives alone in a small concrete pod, where he does everything through his computer. He operates a front loader for mining in exchange for food, shelter, and entertainment (in the form of video games). Verbal communication has died out, and Darwin infrequently communicates with his mother. One day while working, he notices on his camera a large dog and a human hiding behind some trees, seemingly without wearing a gas mask for protection. Soon after, an electrical overload disables the circuitry in his pod, and he has no choice but to venture out into the world. He wears a gas mask, but soon makes a startling discovery: The air actually isn't poisoned. He then walks through what used to be suburbs of Toronto, trying his best to avoid the drones that police this outside world and will kill anyone who tries to escape. As he explores deeper into a forest, to his shock, he finds a family, led by Lillian (Molly Parker), and teen daughter Dara. This family lives in nature, playing in the woods and swimming in a nearby lake. They teach Darwin how to speak, and soon a budding romance begins between he and Dara. But Darwin wants to find his mother and tell her the good news. Darwin also worries that he'll be attracting the attention of the drones, and doesn't want to get Lillian and her kids into trouble. Darwin goes off to find his mother, but soon makes more shocking discoveries.
Is It Any Good?
This is a thoughtful, if slow-paced, dystopian sci-fi movie. 2149: The Aftermath is a movie that depicts a future in which everyone lives an isolated existence living and working entirely through their computers nine years after environmental catastrophe has rendered the outside world uninhabitable. Or, that's what they've been told, anyway. While those expecting a laser blast, shoot-em-up action-science fiction movie will be disappointed, those looking for something a little more introspective will enjoy the story. In some ways, this is reminiscent of the pre-Star Wars science fiction movies of the 1970s that made pointed comments about ecology and humankind's overreliance on technology and a destructive idea of "progress," where the Eden-like scenes in forests are contrasted with the ruins of once-great cities.
In a way, it's refreshing to have a science fiction movie that isn't entirely dependent on violence to make things interesting. It leads the viewer to understand that the story isn't about escaping police drones and such, but instead about trying to reconnect -- with each other, with the world -- in a way that isn't a mediated spectacle. The acting is good enough --as good as any science fiction movie filled with characters constantly yelling "We've got company!" every time a space battle is about to commence. It's a movie that should provoke discussion among older teens and parents about technology and its use and misuse, and how it has the power to both connect and disconnect people.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about dystopian science fiction movies like 2149: The Aftermath. How is this similar to and different from other such movies?
Often science fiction is used to make comments on contemporary life and society. What messages does this movie seem to be communicating, particularly about computers and the internet?
Can a movie still be engaging even if it doesn't have a lot of action? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 18, 2021
- Cast : Nick Krause , Molly Parker , Juliette Gosselin
- Director : Benjamin Duffield
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : ShineHouse
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 2, 2022
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