Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Docu on near-death experiences includes suicide references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
After Death
What's the Story?
In AFTER DEATH, filmmakers Stephen Gray and Chris Radtke interview several subjects who are familiar with near-death experiences. Some are scientists who've begun documenting these experiences, and some are people who can actually describe the experiences. The most interesting, and measurable, aspect is the sensation of floating above your body and the ability to describe vividly everything in the room, even though your body isn't conscious. After that, many subjects describe light, feelings of peace and love, heightened senses, music, and even conversations with late relatives or deities. What most of these survivors take back to Earth with them varies, but the overall messages is one of hope.
Is It Any Good?
Despite some confusing editing and mixed messages, this documentary offers many fascinating firsthand accounts and gives viewers something to ponder -- i.e., life's greatest mystery. As it goes on, After Death reveals itself as a faith-based movie, especially in a section depicting people's negative experiences with near-death: In several cases, they recount being rescued from darkness and despair by asking for help from either God or Jesus. And many of the subjects seem to have misinterpreted the accompanying message of love, opting instead to try to convince everyone about the existence of an afterlife. (They're gambling their life in the present on the prospect of a greater future.) It's also a little hard to keep track of the subjects' various stories, as the filmmakers interrupt them by cutting back and forth. But the movie's key is Dr. Michael Sabom, a skeptical scientist first who offers his view on what can actually be seen, studied, and measured. It's too bad that more alternate views aren't included in After Death, just for some balance, but in the end there are many compelling stories here, and the documentary offers plenty of food for thought.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the depictions of and references to violence in After Death. How does it compare to what you might see in an action movie? Which has greater impact on you, and why?
Do you believe that there's an afterlife? If so, how does that affect the way you see the world? If there is an afterlife, then what might our purpose on Earth be?
Dr. Sabom says that "skepticism is good; rigidity is not." What does he mean? How can we apply this thought to the theory of the afterlife?
How does the movie portray suicidal ideation? What should you do if you're worried about a friend or family member? What resources are available to help both kids and adults? (If you or someone you love is in crisis, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.)
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 27, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : March 11, 2024
- Cast : Michael Sabom , Raymond Moody , Mary Neal
- Directors : Stephen Gray , Chris Radtke
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Angel Studios
- Genre : Documentary
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material including violent descriptions, some bloody images and drug references
- Last updated : February 29, 2024
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