Welcome on and all to the latest instalment of the "I've Never..." blog series exploring films, music and other things I've never experienced in my 30 years of existence. This instalment is a little bit of a cheat as, despite the title, have actually seen "Aftershock". Even though I have seen the film I feel that I really need to talk about it as it is one of the most under rated films with Eli Roth's name on it. Before I begin I would like to encourage you to check out the previous two "I've Never..." blog posts on "Inferno" and "Creep" and if you have any feedback at all leave a comment below or follow me on social media.
As I mentioned in the introduction I am cheating a little bit as I have actually seen "Aftershock" but, I feel that this film is under rated and highly original. "Aftershock" was released through "Studio Canal" and "Filmnation" in 2012 and is directed by Chilean director Nicolas Lopez and written by Lopez and Eli Roth. This film lead to the pair making "The Green Inferno" which is another under rated film. I purchased my copy on blu ray through "Amazon".
"Aftershock" follows the story of 2 friends; Gringo (Roth), Ariel (Ariel Levy) and Pollo (Nicholas Martinez) as they make their way through a coastal Chilean city with 3 girls played by Lorenza Izzo, Andrea Osvart and Natasha Yaravenko, they have met and are trying to impress. After an earthquake sends the city into a state of emergency the group navigate their way through the city trying to find help amidst a prison outbreak, mass panic and numerous aftershocks.
I want to begin by saying after re watching "Aftershock" for the first time since it's home release in the UK 4 years ago, I really enjoyed re discovering the story. The first act of the film features all of the comedic styling of Eli Roth's previous films and almost echos the first act of "Hostel" in it's lighthearted comedic tone. It is a little cringe worthy and "lads on holiday" at times but, funny none the less. The only issues I have with the opening act is the slightly awkward, shoe horned celebrity cameo that doesn't really need to be there. The pace of the first act is slightly slow but, once the action sequences begin they are at such a frenetic pace that the slower pace is not really an issue.
Once the action sequences begin what the audience are given is a great mix of tense, fast paced disaster movie and Eli Roth style gore filled horror. Within the first five minutes of the main earthquake there are limbs lost and people crushed and I would advise it is not for the weak of stomach. What I love is the sheer panic and trauma is dealt with in a realistic manner and there is no stereotypical action hero type to save the day. The gore level is turned up to the fullest, even for Roth, with blood and guts flying everywhere. With that being said it never really feels out of place.
As comedic and lighthearted a tone "Aftershock" has in the beginning by the end of the second act the tragedy and pain creates a counter balance. The score throughout the second and third act plays a huge part in creating the dramatic, panic filled atmosphere as the group experiences unspeakable horror. as the film continues into the third act there are a few incredibly brutal scenes that feel a little too much at times but, work well in the situation.
I really love the way in which the focus is switched from the 3 male leads to the relationship between Izzo and her half sister Osvart that begins as hatred and loathing and eventually evolves into a maternal, protective, loving relationship as the tragedy unfolds.
Without giving away too much the final scene of "Aftershock" is one of my favourites in modern horror. What it does is proves that there is no neat tying of loose ends and all's well that ends well approach that sometimes ruins a half decent action movie.
Overall "Aftershock" is well worth your time. Even though not a Roth lead project it is one of his best projects to date. Please check it out.
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