After Death
Short Take - The phrase comes from the film industry, originally, and it means a short bit of recording or “something that only takes a short time,” especially if a longer version may be done later.
Short Take review: A short review of a film with potential discussion points
Summary: When one hears that someone has had a near-death experience, there may be a mix of interest and skepticism that come along with the announcement. After Death is a documentary from Angel Studios (The Chosen) that taps into the phenomena that have marked this modern era. Not that there have not been near-death stories from the past, but it has gained intensity throughout the modern era as more and more videos make their way onto YouTube. Directors Stephen Gray and Chris Radtke tap into the personal stories of those impacted by these experiences, medical professionals who consider the plausibility of these events, and academics who have written extensively on these tales. As the emotion and spirituality unfold from each lay of these tales, skeptics may be persuaded by the personal nature of each person’s NDE, while others may be willing to discuss the likelihood of life after death.
Review: As Angel Studios continues to grow in their influence at the cinema, they are able to bring stories to the public that would have been relegated to streaming services in the past. The quality of Stephen Gray and Chris Radtke’s film will draw the audience into each person’s testimony. Each story is told with layered visuals and reenactments that support their narratives with effective cinematography and complementary expert words of medical professionals. As the film works to the conclusion, viewers may feel like the filmmakers travel through familiar territory with each near-death tale. Understandably, there was great footage to consider, but a healthy edit could have made the messaging clearer and more palatable. Even though most of the accounts were from a Christian perspective, the overall message was difficult to discern. After Death has the potential to support the messaging of those who believe in these experiences as truth while unlikely to turn the skeptic into a believer. At Reel Dialogue, we applaud how this film starts the discussion on eternity and what comes after death.
Reel Dialogue: Is there life after death?
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are not a new subject in cinema. These dramatic retellings of spiritual journeys have fascinated audiences for years. The tales shared by those in After Death are hard to refute, and the passion each person shares proves they believe them to be true. Thankfully, the filmmakers show that not all people have a heavenly experience and give these individuals a chance to share their stories with the world.
Still, the Bible provides a significant reference point for those still skeptical about life after death. It offers answers that humans are searching for in this study, and the promise of eternal life from the Bible's God truly brings this subject matter to life. To dig in deeper, it's all to be considered in Revelation 21-22.
It is not too surprising that belief in an afterlife exists. You do not need to have a near-death experience to believe this truth. Christianity and other faiths differ because access comes through Christ alone, not merely experiences. To learn more, check out these links for the real answers to life, death, and more.
Where to look for more details: John 3, Romans 3, 8, & 10
