Afterschool 2009

As Robert (Robert) immerses himself in his film project at the private school, he inadvertently documents a horrifying scene: the tragic loss of twin sisters due to drugs tainted with rat poison. Stunned into silence, Robert cannot bring himself to call for help and instead remains by the girls’ side, holding one in his lap as she succumbs to her fate. This devastating moment is captured forever on Robert’s camera and another student’s cell phone, yet it remains steeped in mystery, with only the haunting sounds of the girl’s desperate cries and her labored breathing echoing through the air, hinting at the unfolding tragedy before those present. The school’s efforts to clean up this horrific incident by implementing a more aggressive drug policy and conducting bag checks arrive far too late.

As an oppressive atmosphere of fear envelops the school, Robert grapples with overwhelming guilt and a sense of responsibility for what transpired. Together with fellow student Amy (Amy), he is assigned the task of creating a memorial video tribute for the deceased twins. Unfortunately, the resulting film is met with backlash from the school administration, which insists on re-editing it to diminish its emotional weight.

In the midst of this turmoil, Robert and Amy discover comfort in one another, sharing their initial intimate moments beneath the sheltered embrace of a wooded area. However, lingering whispers suggest that Robert’s roommate may also possess romantic feelings for Amy, increasing the tension. As these emotions boil over, Robert’s pent-up anger erupts during a fierce confrontation with his roommate, who unwittingly played a role in distributing the drugs that led to the twins’ tragic end. Despite the mounting pressure, Robert adamantly denies any connection to the girls’ deaths, leaving school officials perplexed.

As a consequence, Robert is asked to take a leave of absence. The film then presents a shocking revelation: a disturbing, direct view of the girls’ tragic fate, illustrating Robert’s hand pressing down firmly over one girl’s mouth and nose, smothering her. The conclusion is unsettling, featuring a medicated and seemingly dazed Robert under the influence of prescription medications, while an unseen observer records his every move on their cell phone — a chilling reminder that the truth surrounding those fateful moments remains locked in mystery.