Afterschool

Main Plot

Afterschool follows a high school student named Robert, who is an outsider and struggles to connect with his peers. While filming a school project, he inadvertently captures a tragic event involving two classmates. This shocking incident profoundly affects him and leads to an exploration of grief, guilt, and the impact of technology on human relationships. As Robert grapples with the aftermath of what he witnessed, he becomes increasingly isolated, navigating the complexities of adolescence in a world dominated by digital media. The film delves into themes of voyeurism, the search for connection, and the emotional detachment that can arise in a hyper-connected society, ultimately portraying Robert's internal conflict as he confronts the consequences of his actions and the reality of his environment.

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 ending of Afterschool, the protagonist, Robert, grapples with the traumatic events he has witnessed at his elite boarding school. After the shocking deaths of two classmates, he becomes increasingly isolated and consumed by guilt and confusion. The film culminates in Robert's decision to create a video montage that documents the aftermath of the tragedy, blending footage of the deceased with unsettling imagery. This act serves as both an attempt to process his emotions and a means of confronting the reality of the situation. As Robert presents his video project, the reactions from his peers and faculty reveal the stark contrast between their superficial responses and his deep internal struggle. The ending emphasizes the themes of alienation and the impact of technology on human connection, as Robert's artistic expression becomes a haunting reflection of his inner turmoil. The unresolved nature of his emotional state leaves the audience questioning the effectiveness of his coping mechanisms and the broader implications of trauma in a disconnected society. Ultimately, the film closes on a note of ambiguity, highlighting the complexities of grief and the challenges of navigating personal loss in a world that often prioritizes appearances over genuine understanding.