After Love (2020 film)
After Love is a 2020 British drama film directed by Aleem Khan, in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Joanna Scanlan, Nathalie Richard, and Talid Ariss.
Synopsis: Mary Hussain (Scanlan), a recently widowed woman living in Dover, England, discovers after her husband's sudden death that he had a secret family living just across the English Channel in Calais, France. Devastated and determined to uncover the truth, she crosses the Channel and adopts a false identity to infiltrate the life of his mistress and her son.
Plot Summary: Following the unexpected death of her husband, Ahmed, Mary Hussain is confronted with the shocking revelation of his long-standing affair. To understand her late husband’s double life, she travels to Calais, where she befriends Geneviève, Ahmed’s mistress, and her son, Solomon. Mary pretends to be a cleaning woman looking for work and is hired by Geneviève. As Mary gets closer to Geneviève and Solomon, she grapples with feelings of betrayal, anger, and a growing connection to this previously unknown part of her husband's life. She witnesses the struggles of Geneviève, a single mother, and the quiet turmoil of Solomon. Ultimately, Mary is forced to confront her own grief and make a difficult decision about whether to reveal her true identity and the secrets she has uncovered.
Cast:
- Joanna Scanlan as Mary Hussain
- Nathalie Richard as Geneviève
- Talid Ariss as Solomon
- Nasser Memarzia as Ahmed Hussain
Reception:
After Love garnered critical acclaim, particularly for Scanlan's performance. The film explores themes of grief, identity, cultural differences, and the complexities of relationships. It was praised for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of loss and the unexpected connections that can emerge in the face of tragedy.
Awards and Nominations:
The film received numerous awards and nominations, including:
- BAFTA Award for Best Actress (Joanna Scanlan)
- BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language (Nominee)
- Cannes Film Festival - Label Cannes 2020
- British Independent Film Awards - Numerous wins and nominations including Best British Independent Film and Best Director.
Production: The film is a co-production between the UK and France.