You are here:

The Afterman

The Afterman

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

1985

Director

Rob Van Eyck

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Afterman explores the regression of human social structures following an atomic apocalypse. It serves as a critique of civilization, focusing on a protagonist whose cognitive development is stunted by isolation. The film effectively dismantles institutional stability and traditional morality. By removing the comforts of modern society, it creates a landscape of moral relativism and primal existence. However, the film lacks specific, multi-layered character development. It remains heavily centered on a singular male perspective, missing opportunities for broader representation of race, gender, and queer identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Afterman have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film portrays a world marked by sexual immorality and chaos, implying a breakdown of traditional courtship. However, there is no clear depiction of queer identities or non-traditional gender expressions.

How does The Afterman portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a single male protagonist in a lawless environment. While the setting challenges traditional masculine leadership through his vulnerability, women's ability to drive the story remains undefined.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Afterman?

Limited

The narrative centers on a singular individual in a generalized barbaric world. There is no indication of a multi-ethnic cast or intentional complexity reflecting multiple aspects of diversity.

How does The Afterman represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques the collapse of Western structures and modern civilization. It explores moral relativism by showing a world without laws, literacy, or established social hierarchies.

Does The Afterman include disability representation?

Fair

The protagonist experiences significant cognitive and communication disabilities due to environmental trauma. His reliance on sensory experience over linguistic logic deviates from typical narrative standards.

Present on Screen

  • Effective dismantling of Western institutional stability and social hierarchies.
  • Exploration of non-neurotypical narrative standards through a cognitively disabled protagonist.
  • Provocative critique of technological progress and modern civilization's fragility.

Limited or Absent

  • Lack of visible racial and ethnic diversity within the ensemble.
  • Insufficient representation of queer identities or non-traditional gender expressions.
  • Limited focus on women's ability to drive the story and diverse gendered perspectives.

Official Synopsis

The story of a man who lived alone in an atomic fallout shelter after the A-Bomb was dropped, so he can’t read, write or speak. 20 years later the shelter opens and he wanders into a barbaric world full of sex and depravity.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.