Afterschool

Main Plot

In the film "Afterschool," directed by Antonio Campos, the story revolves around a teenager named Robert who attends a prestigious East Coast boarding school. Robert's life changes dramatically when he accidentally captures the deaths of two classmates on video. The incident sends shockwaves through the school community, prompting a deep examination of the school's environment and the impact of digital media. As the school administration grapples with how to handle the situation, Robert finds himself increasingly isolated. The film delves into the complexities of adolescence, the influence of internet culture, and the pressures faced by young people in a highly controlled academic setting. Robert's video becomes a pivotal piece, raising questions about responsibility, voyeurism, and the desensitization to violence. "Afterschool" is a psychological drama that explores themes of alienation and the search for identity in a digital age, highlighting the challenges that arise from the intersection of real life and virtual existence. The film is a critical examination of modern youth and their navigation through a world mediated by screens.

Characters

• Ezra Miller plays Robert, a high school student who captures a tragic event on video, leading to a deep exploration of the impact of media on life and death.
• Jeremy Allen White plays Dave, a student who inadvertently captures a tragic event on video, impacting the school community and unraveling a complex narrative.
• Emory Cohen plays Trevor in "Afterschool." He is a friend of the protagonist, involved in the central incident of recording a tragic event at their school.

Ending Explained

In the film "Afterschool," directed by Antonio Campos, the conclusion centers around the protagonist, Robert, a high school student at a prestigious boarding school. Throughout the film, Robert is depicted as a detached and alienated youth who inadvertently records the deaths of two popular girls at his school due to a drug overdose. This event becomes a pivotal moment that not only affects the school community but also pushes Robert deeper into his isolation. As the school grapples with the tragedy, they decide to make a memorial video and assign Robert the task, hoping it will aid in the healing process. However, Robert's final product is starkly honest and unfiltered, showcasing not just the mourning but also the unsettling undercurrents of the school environment. This brutally truthful portrayal is rejected by the school administration, who demand a more sanitized and uplifting version. The film concludes with Robert being further marginalized. He is seen watching the edited version of his video during an assembly, visibly detached and disillusioned. This ending highlights the themes of alienation, the impact of digital media on reality, and the manipulation of narratives within institutions. Robert's isolation and the school's refusal to confront the uncomfortable truths he captured reflect the broader societal tendencies to filter and alter reality, leaving the truth obscured and the individual isolated.