The Life After
Running time: 90 mins
A road trip revives the past for two brothers. A note reads: I had to leave Mom. Teenage brothers Rodrigo and Samuel embark on a cross-country road trip in search of their manic-depressive mother after she disappears, leaving behind only a note. The two brothers share a love-hate relationship, having reacted in opposite ways to an upbringing by a mother with an enduring mental illness. Younger brother Samuel remains hopeful, constantly worrying about his mother while older brother Rodrigo goes through life obstinately, given to an attitude of self-preservation in light of his mothers neglect. Mexican director David Pablos debut film takes a hard look at the nature of familial bonds and the obligations they may create as a road trip pushes two brothers to confront each other and face the past. Vivian Yuen