Aftermath (2024) is an action-thriller directed by Patrick Lussier that delves into the harrowing experiences of war veteran Eric Daniels, portrayed by Dylan Sprouse. The narrative unfolds on Boston’s Tobin Bridge, where Eric and his teenage sister, Madeleine (Megan Stott), find themselves ensnared in a perilous hostage situation orchestrated by a group of ex-military contractors.
Eric, a former Army Ranger grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is thrust into action when the heavily armed militia, led by the enigmatic Captain James Roken (Mason Gooding), seizes control of the bridge, trapping countless civilians. Roken’s primary objective is to capture Samantha “Doc” Brown (Dichen Lachman), a former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who exposed his private militia, Retcon 13, for committing war crimes under the Shattered Dove Initiative.
Throughout the ordeal, Eric confronts both external threats and his internal battles with PTSD. The film interweaves flashbacks of his wartime experiences with the present crisis, highlighting his struggle to differentiate between reality and trauma-induced hallucinations. Despite these challenges, Eric’s military training becomes instrumental in combating the hostage-takers and safeguarding the lives of his fellow captives.
The climax intensifies as Eric discovers Roken’s final ploy—a van rigged with explosives controlled by a switch in Roken’s possession. In a daring move, Eric drives the van off the bridge into the river below. Roken detonates the explosives mid-descent, resulting in his own demise and averting further catastrophe. Subsequently, the Pentagon releases several members of Retcon 13 and initiates a congressional investigation into the misuse of military contractors.
The film concludes on a hopeful note, with Eric and Madeleine retrieving Doc from prison, where she was released for her valor during the bridge attack. The trio’s decision to avoid bridges in favor of tunnels symbolizes a cautious yet optimistic step towards healing and normalcy.
Aftermath explores themes of redemption, the enduring scars of war, and the resilience required to confront one’s inner demons amidst external chaos. While the film offers intense action sequences and delves into the psychological struggles of its protagonist, it has received mixed reviews. Some critics commend the performances, particularly Sprouse’s portrayal of Eric, while others point to pacing issues and an over-reliance on repetitive action scenes that may detract from character development.
Overall, Aftermath presents a gripping narrative that intertwines personal trauma with high-stakes action, reflecting on the complexities faced by veterans reintegrating into civilian life while confronting unforeseen threats.