After Life 1999
Directed by
Hirokazu Koreeda
Made by
Artistic License
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of After Life (1999). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Eliot Deacon is the owner of a unique funeral home where he engages in gentle conversations with the corpses he prepares for their final resting place. His life takes an unexpected turn when middle school teacher Anna Taylor attends the funeral of her beloved piano instructor. Later that evening, after an intense argument with her boyfriend Paul at a restaurant, Anna drives off in a troubled state. Unfortunately, this distress leads to a traffic accident.
When she awakens, Anna finds herself on an embalming table in Eliot’s funeral home, where he is in the process of removing her clothing. Eliot calmly informs her that she has passed away, claiming to have a special ability to communicate with the deceased. He presents her with a collection of photographs of those he has assisted in making their transition to the afterlife. To keep her in a state suitable for embalming, Eliot administers a fictional drug known as hydronium bromide, meant to “relax the muscles and prevent rigor mortis.”
Despite her desperate attempts to escape and prove her aliveness to Paul, Eliot insists she cannot leave, asserting that she has not truly lived. When Paul requests to see Anna’s body, Eliot declines him entry, scheduling a series of obstacles for Anna’s escape attempts. Eventually, she manages to find a phone, but when she contacts Paul, he hangs up, thinking it’s a cruel joke. Her belief that she’s really dead is cemented when Eliot allows her to see her own corpse staring back at her in a mirror.
In a twist of fate, one of Anna’s students, Jack, visits the funeral home and is enthralled by Eliot, who tells him they share a miraculous gift similar to that of Jesus Christ. Jack, fascinated by the idea, eagerly accepts Eliot’s offer to learn more, leading to a disconcerting scene where Jack is seen burying a living chick in a box.
As the preparations for Anna’s funeral progress, she finds the strength to assert herself once more, demanding to see her reflection one last time. As she gazes into the small mirror, Anna notices her breath fogging the glass, immediately accusing Eliot of deceit regarding her supposed death. Eliot responds calmly, injecting her once again, sending her spiraling into unconsciousness. At her funeral, Paul silently honors her memory by placing the engagement ring he intended to propose with on her finger.
After the ceremony, grief-stricken and intoxicated, Paul confronts Eliot aggressively, convinced that Anna is truly gone. Eliot’s taunts push Paul to confront the truth about Anna’s fate, suggesting he should see for himself what has transpired. Meanwhile, Anna finds herself waking to the terrifying sound of dirt being shoveled onto her casket. In her panic, she claws at the satin lining, desperate for escape.
Under the influence of alcohol, Paul speeds toward the cemetery, where an emotional reunion occurs. Anna confesses her everlasting love for him, only for Paul to hear a mysterious sound that Anna claims is Eliot’s tools being readied for his next preparation—her body. In an agonizing twist, Paul discovers himself back in the funeral home, with Eliot looming over him, ready to prepare his body in the same manner as Anna’s. Eliot reveals the grim truth: Paul was involved in a fatal accident and is now facing his own death, leaving him to cry out in denial as Eliot begins the embalming process.
Timeline
Track the key events of After Life (1999) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Eliot's Unique Funeral Home
Eliot Deacon runs an unconventional funeral home, where he engages in calming conversations with the dead he prepares. His empathetic approach to his work sets him apart from typical morticians, providing a unique environment for the deceased and their families.
Anna's Loss
Anna Taylor attends the funeral of her beloved piano instructor, leading her to confront grief for the first time in a meaningful way. This moment signifies a turning point for her emotional state, setting the scene for what comes next.
Conflict with Paul
After the funeral, Anna has an intense argument with her boyfriend, Paul, at a restaurant. This escalating confrontation culminates in an emotional uproar, pushing Anna into a troubled state as she leaves.
The Traffic Accident
Distraught from her conflict with Paul, Anna drives off recklessly. This distress leads to a grave traffic accident, culminating in her sudden death and setting the stage for the supernatural events that follow.
Awakening in the Funeral Home
Anna awakens on an embalming table in Eliot's funeral home, confused and disoriented. Eliot calmly informs her that she has passed away and shares his unique ability to communicate with the deceased, leaving her in shock.
The Fictional Drug
To prepare Anna for her final resting, Eliot administers a fictional drug called hydronium bromide, meant to keep her muscles relaxed. This bizarre revelation raises Anna's suspicions about her actual state, fueling her desperation to escape.
Attempts to Escape
Anna desperately tries to convince Eliot of her aliveness and attempts to escape from the funeral home. Each effort is thwarted by Eliot, who insists she has not truly lived, leaving Anna feeling hopeless and isolated.
Seeing Her Own Corpse
In a chilling moment, Eliot allows Anna to see her own corpse in a mirror, solidifying her belief that she is indeed dead. This horrifying realization intensifies her panic and feeling of entrapment in the funeral home.
Jack's Intriguing Visit
One of Anna's students, Jack, visits Eliot and becomes fascinated by him. Eliot exploits Jack's curiosity, suggesting they share a miraculous gift and encouraging him to explore darker aspects of the afterlife.
Anna's Determination Grows
As her funeral approaches, Anna reflects on her state and demands to see her reflection once more. She notices her breath fogging the glass, triggering an accusation towards Eliot, who responds by sedating her again.
Paul's Grief at the Funeral
During Anna’s funeral, Paul mournfully honors her by placing the engagement ring he intended to give her on her finger. This act signifies his love and the deep void left by Anna's absence.
Paul Confronts Eliot
Grief-stricken and intoxicated, Paul confronts Eliot, believing Anna is truly gone. Eliot's taunts force Paul to face the reality of Anna’s death, pushing him to seek the truth about what transpired.
The Terrifying Awakening
Anna wakes up in a panic, hearing the sounds of dirt being shoveled onto her casket. In a frenzied effort, she claws at the satin lining of her coffin, desperate to escape her impending burial.
Emotional Reunion with Paul
In an emotional moment, Anna confesses her love for Paul during their reunion. However, Paul is startled by mysterious sounds, leading to confusion about Eliot's sinister activities in the background.
Paul's Fatal Truth
In a shocking twist, Paul learns from Eliot that he too has met with a fatal accident, now facing his own death. This revelation leaves him devastated, grasping with disbelief as Eliot prepares him for the same fate as Anna.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring After Life (1999) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Eliot Deacon
Eliot Deacon is the enigmatic owner of the funeral home, possessing an unusual ability to communicate with the deceased. He is portrayed as calm and manipulative, using his powers to maintain control over Anna after her accident. His character embodies the fine line between compassion and the darker aspects of death preparation.
Anna Taylor
Anna Taylor is a middle school teacher whose life takes a tragic turn after a car accident. Her character reflects vulnerability, strength, and a fierce desire to prove her existence amidst despair. Throughout her ordeal, she embodies the struggle against the boundaries of life and death.
Paul
Paul is Anna’s boyfriend, whose intense love for her is overshadowed by grief and denial following her death. His character transitions from a state of confusion to a desperate quest for truth, ultimately confronted by the harsh realities of their situation. His emotional journey highlights themes of acceptance and loss.
Setting
Uncover the settings of After Life (1999), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie does not specify a particular time period. However, it reflects modern-day themes of love, loss, and the connections between the living and the dead, highlighting timeless emotional struggles.
Location
Funeral Home, Cemetery
The funeral home is a somber yet unique establishment owned by Eliot Deacon, where conversations with the dead take place. It serves as a transitional space between life and death. The cemetery, where Anna's funeral is held, symbolizes the final resting place for the departed and is a site of confronting grief and memories.
Themes
Explore the core themes of After Life (1999). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love & Loss
The theme of love and loss is central to the story, particularly through the relationship between Anna and Paul. Anna's tragic fate prompts a deep exploration of grief as Paul grapples with the reality of her death. Their emotional bond continues to reveal remnants of love even in the face of loss and despair.
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Life & Death
The movie intricately weaves the themes of life and death, exploring what it means to truly live versus merely existing. Eliot's unique ability to converse with the deceased highlights the importance of embracing life, while Anna's struggle to escape the grips of death reveals deep existential questions.
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Existential Reflection
Through Anna's unexpected encounter with Eliot, the film presents a reflective lens on existence and the afterlife. It challenges characters and viewers alike to confront their fears of mortality and understand the significance of life in the face of inevitable death.
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