Aftershock (2012) Movie Review
“Aftershock,” directed by Nicolás López and released in 2012, is a disaster horror film that combines the terror of natural disasters with intense survival horror. Starring Eli Roth, Andrea Osvárt, and Ariel Levy, the film follows a group of friends who find themselves trapped in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Chile. Despite its gripping premise and star power, “Aftershock” received mixed reviews for its execution and storytelling.
Plot Summary
Set in the picturesque city of Santiago, Chile, “Aftershock” begins with a group of friends on vacation. The central characters include the charismatic and reckless Gringo (Eli Roth), his estranged sister, the beautiful Monica (Andrea Osvárt), and their friends Ariel (Ariel Levy) and Kim (Natasha Yarovenko).
Their holiday takes a dramatic turn when a massive earthquake strikes, causing widespread destruction and chaos. As the city crumbles around them, the friends are forced to navigate the wreckage and fight for survival.
The earthquake triggers a series of aftershocks that exacerbate the danger. The group encounters various threats, including collapsing buildings, deadly aftershocks, and violent criminals taking advantage of the chaos. Their struggle to survive becomes even more desperate as they face both natural and human threats in a city that has descended into anarchy.
Analysis and Review
“Aftershock” effectively combines the elements of disaster and horror, creating a tense and immersive experience. The film’s depiction of the earthquake and its aftermath is both visceral and realistic, capturing the scale of the disaster and its impact on the city and its inhabitants.
Eli Roth, known for his work in horror films such as “Hostel” and “Cabin Fever,” delivers a strong performance as Gringo. His portrayal of a flawed but determined character adds depth to the film, and his experience in the genre contributes to the film’s intensity.
Director Nicolás López, who co-wrote the screenplay with Eli Roth and Guillermo Amoedo, creates a gripping atmosphere by using the earthquake as a backdrop for a survival horror story. The film’s special effects and sound design effectively convey the chaos and destruction of the disaster.
However, while “Aftershock” excels in creating a harrowing setting, it struggles with character development and narrative depth. The film’s characters are often one-dimensional, and their motivations and backgrounds are not fully explored. This lack of depth makes it challenging for viewers to fully connect with the characters and become invested in their survival.
Additionally, the film’s pacing fluctuates, with some sequences feeling prolonged and others feeling rushed. The transition between the disaster elements and the horror aspects is sometimes jarring, which can disrupt the film’s overall flow.
Legacy and Impact
“Aftershock” garnered a mixed response from critics and audiences, who praised its intense and realistic portrayal of a natural disaster but criticized its character development and narrative execution. The film’s blend of disaster and horror elements makes it a unique entry in the genre, though it may not stand out as a classic.
The film’s success in capturing the sheer terror of a catastrophic event demonstrates the potential for combining disaster and horror genres. While “Aftershock” may not have achieved critical acclaim, it remains an interesting experiment in blending these two genres.
Streaming Services and Availability
For those interested in watching “Aftershock,” the film is available on several streaming platforms in the United States. As of now, you can stream or purchase the movie on:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rental or purchase.
- Google Play Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rental or purchase.
- YouTube Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
Conclusion
“Aftershock” (2012) is a disaster horror film that combines the intensity of a natural disaster with the suspense of survival horror. Directed by Nicolás López and starring Eli Roth, the film offers a tense and immersive experience with its realistic depiction of an earthquake and its aftermath. While it struggles with character development and pacing, “Aftershock” provides a gripping watch for fans of the genre and those interested in exploring the intersection of disaster and horror.