When was After the Dark released?

After the Dark first premiered on 6 July 2013. It opened in US theatres on 7 February 2014.

Who is in the cast of After the Dark?

James D'Arcy stars as philosophy teacher Eric Zimit. The cast also includes Sophie Lowe, Rhys Wakefield, Bonnie Wright, Daryl Sabara, Abhi Sinha, Freddie Stroma, Katie Findlay, George Blagden and Jacob Artist.

What is After the Dark about?

A philosophy teacher at an international school in Jakarta gives his graduating class a final thought experiment. They must imagine a nuclear apocalypse and decide which ten of the twenty students would get a place in a bunker to restart humanity.

How long is After the Dark and what is it rated?

The film runs 107 minutes and is rated R in the United States.

After the Dark (2013): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch

After the Dark: Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

It is the last day of class at an international school in Jakarta. Philosophy teacher Eric Zimit (James D’Arcy) gives his graduating seniors one final assignment, a thought experiment rather than a written exam.

He asks the twenty students to imagine that a nuclear catastrophe has struck. A sealed underground bunker offers safety, but only ten people can fit inside. The group has to decide who gets a place and who is left outside. The ten who are chosen will be responsible for rebuilding humanity once the danger has passed.

The film stages these hypothetical scenarios as vivid survival situations. Each round tests what the students value most, such as skills, fairness, emotion or cold logic. Classic dilemmas in the style of the trolley problem push them to weigh one life against another. Alliances and personal tensions within the class begin to shape their choices. Zimit himself is far from a neutral referee. The longer the lesson runs, the more the line between abstract philosophy and real relationships starts to blur.

After the Dark — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

What Makes After the Dark Notable

Concept-driven storytelling: The film is a blend of drama, fantasy, science fiction and thriller. Its central idea is a philosophy class exercise, which makes its apocalypse story unusually talky and cerebral.
Cast: James D’Arcy leads as the teacher Eric Zimit. The ensemble of students includes Sophie Lowe (Petra), Rhys Wakefield (James), Bonnie Wright (Georgina), Daryl Sabara (Chips), Abhi Sinha (Kavi), Freddie Stroma (Jack), Katie Findlay (Bonnie), George Blagden (Andy) and Jacob Artist (Parker).
Director and writer: John Huddles both wrote and directed the film.
International production: It is an English-language co-production between Indonesia and the United States, produced by SCTV and Olive Branch Productions. Its Jakarta setting gives a familiar end-of-the-world premise a less typical backdrop.
Tagline: “Smart. Talented. Beautiful. Stranded.”

If you are looking for a review-style overview, After the Dark is best approached as a moral puzzle film. Its appeal lies in the debates and ethical questions more than in large-scale disaster action.

Who Will Enjoy It

Viewers who like thought experiments and ethical dilemmas such as the trolley problem
Fans of contained, high-concept sci-fi built around a single premise
Anyone interested in survival and apocalypse stories with a philosophical angle
Fans of the young ensemble cast, including Bonnie Wright and Freddie Stroma
Viewers who enjoy group-dynamics dramas set among students

Release Date & Where to Watch

After the Dark had its first release on 6 July 2013. In the United States it opened in theatres on 7 February 2014 with an R rating. The runtime is 107 minutes, and an official trailer is available.

In the US, the film is currently available to buy digitally on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies and YouTube.

Trailer

Cast

James D'Arcyas Eric Zimit
Sophie Loweas Petra
Rhys Wakefieldas James
Bonnie Wrightas Georgina
Daryl Sabaraas Chips
Abhi Sinhaas Kavi
Freddie Stromaas Jack
Katie Findlayas Bonnie

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was After the Dark released?: After the Dark first premiered on 6 July 2013. It opened in US theatres on 7 February 2014.
Where can I watch After the Dark?: In the US, After the Dark is available to buy digitally on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies and YouTube.
Who is in the cast of After the Dark?: James D'Arcy stars as philosophy teacher Eric Zimit. The cast also includes Sophie Lowe, Rhys Wakefield, Bonnie Wright, Daryl Sabara, Abhi Sinha, Freddie Stroma, Katie Findlay, George Blagden and Jacob Artist.
What is After the Dark about?: A philosophy teacher at an international school in Jakarta gives his graduating class a final thought experiment. They must imagine a nuclear apocalypse and decide which ten of the twenty students would get a place in a bunker to restart humanity.
How long is After the Dark and what is it rated?: The film runs 107 minutes and is rated R in the United States.

Sources

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