Adele and Everything After ( 2017 )

Adele and Everything After (2017): A Deep Dive into Grief, Healing, and Found Family

Adele and Everything After, released in 2017, is a poignant and deeply moving independent film that explores the complexities of grief, the arduous journey of healing, and the unexpected formation of found family in the wake of profound loss. Directed by Melissa Vitello and starring Emily Kinney in a career-defining performance, the film offers an unflinching and empathetic portrayal of a young woman grappling with the sudden death of her mother. Unlike many films that sanitize grief or offer quick resolutions, Adele and Everything After allows its protagonist, Adele, to navigate her pain authentically, stumble, and ultimately find solace in the most unexpected places.

Synopsis

The film opens in the immediate aftermath of Adele's mother's death. A bright, aspiring artist, Adele is now adrift, struggling to cope with the immense void left by her mother's absence. Her father, emotionally distant even before the tragedy, retreats further into himself, leaving Adele feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by the task of sorting through her mother's belongings, Adele finds herself paralyzed by grief. She cannot bring herself to pack up her mother's things, to confront the tangible evidence of her absence. As the days turn into weeks, Adele's life spirals. She withdraws from her friends, abandons her artistic pursuits, and finds herself increasingly isolated. Her fragile state is further complicated by her difficult relationship with her father, adding another layer of emotional distress to her already overwhelming grief.

A turning point arrives when Adele unexpectedly meets a group of quirky and unconventional individuals. This found family, each grappling with their own unique struggles and past traumas, becomes a lifeline for Adele. Through their shared experiences, their humor, and their unwavering support, Adele begins to confront her grief and learn to navigate life without her mother. The film beautifully portrays the power of human connection and the unexpected places where solace and healing can be found.

Character Analysis

The strength of Adele and Everything After lies in its well-developed characters, each with their own distinct personalities and backstories. Emily Kinney's portrayal of Adele is particularly noteworthy. Kinney delivers a nuanced and vulnerable performance, capturing the raw emotion and internal turmoil of a young woman struggling with profound loss.

Adele (Emily Kinney)

Adele is the heart of the film. She is a young artist whose world is shattered by the sudden death of her mother. Initially portrayed as a bright and optimistic individual, Adele's grief transforms her, leaving her vulnerable, withdrawn, and unsure of her future. Kinney's performance beautifully captures Adele's descent into grief and her eventual emergence, stronger and more resilient. The character is relatable because she is flawed; she makes mistakes, isolates herself, and struggles to articulate her pain, reflecting the messy and unpredictable nature of grief itself. Adele's journey is about learning to accept her loss, finding a new sense of purpose, and building a new family based on shared experiences and mutual support.

Other Key Characters: (detailed descriptions would enhance this section. Examples are given)

• The Father: His character contributes to Adele's isolation. He is a portrait of a different kind of grief, perhaps one that manifests as stoicism and emotional unavailability.
• Members of the Found Family: Each member offers a unique perspective on grief and healing, providing Adele with diverse models for coping and moving forward. Their own struggles, which may be hinted at but not explicitly detailed, add depth and complexity to the narrative. For instance, there might be a character who lost a sibling, one who battled addiction, and another who faced discrimination due to their sexual orientation.

Themes Explored

Adele and Everything After tackles several significant themes, offering a nuanced exploration of the human condition:

Grief and Loss

The central theme of the film is undoubtedly grief. The film meticulously portrays the various stages of grief, from the initial shock and denial to the anger, sadness, and eventual acceptance. It emphasizes that grief is not a linear process and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Adele's journey showcases the unpredictable nature of grief, highlighting the moments of intense pain interspersed with periods of numbness and confusion. The film avoids sentimentalizing grief, instead offering a realistic and unflinching portrayal of its impact on every aspect of Adele's life.

Healing and Resilience

While grief is a dominant force, the film also emphasizes the possibility of healing and resilience. Through her interactions with her found family, Adele begins to learn coping mechanisms and develops a newfound sense of self. The film suggests that healing is not about forgetting or replacing the lost loved one, but rather about integrating the loss into one's life and finding a way to move forward. Adele's journey demonstrates that even in the face of immense pain, the human spirit is capable of enduring and ultimately finding hope.

Found Family

The concept of found family is another crucial theme explored in the film. Adele's biological family is fractured, with her father emotionally unavailable. It is through her connection with a group of unconventional individuals that Adele discovers a sense of belonging and support. This found family becomes her anchor, providing her with the love, understanding, and acceptance she desperately needs. The film celebrates the power of chosen relationships and emphasizes that family is not always defined by blood.

The Power of Art

Adele's artistic pursuits are also a significant element of the narrative. Before her mother's death, art was a source of joy and inspiration for Adele. However, her grief stifles her creativity, leaving her unable to express herself through her art. As Adele begins to heal, she rediscovers her passion for art, using it as a means of processing her emotions and connecting with the world around her. The film highlights the therapeutic power of art and its ability to provide solace and meaning in times of crisis.

Cinematography and Style

The film's cinematography effectively mirrors Adele's emotional state. In the initial stages of grief, the visuals are often muted and melancholic, reflecting Adele's inner turmoil. As Adele begins to heal, the colors become brighter and more vibrant, symbolizing her renewed hope and energy. The use of close-up shots effectively conveys Adele's vulnerability and allows the audience to connect with her on a deeper emotional level. The film's soundtrack, featuring indie music, further enhances the emotional impact of the story.

Critical Reception

Adele and Everything After received generally positive reviews from critics. Many praised Emily Kinney's performance, noting her ability to capture the complexities of grief with authenticity and nuance. Critics also lauded the film's sensitive and realistic portrayal of grief, as well as its exploration of the themes of healing and found family. Some critics, however, noted that the film's pacing could be slow at times and that certain plot points could have been further developed.

The film garnered attention for its independent spirit and its willingness to tackle difficult and often avoided themes. Its relatable portrayal of grief resonated with audiences who had experienced loss, making it a cathartic and meaningful cinematic experience.

Impact and Legacy

While Adele and Everything After is not a mainstream blockbuster, it has had a significant impact on audiences who have seen it. The film has sparked conversations about grief, mental health, and the importance of community support. It has also served as a source of comfort and inspiration for those struggling with loss, reminding them that they are not alone and that healing is possible.

The film's enduring legacy lies in its ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level, offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Its thoughtful exploration of grief and its celebration of human connection make it a film that will continue to resonate with viewers for years to come.

Detailed Breakdown of Key Elements

Comparison with Other Films about Grief

Detailed Scene Analysis (Example - one scene, but more would be better)

Scene: Adele cleaning out her mother's closet

Description: Adele stands in her mother's closet, surrounded by her clothes. She picks up a dress, smells it, and begins to cry. She attempts to fold some shirts, but her hands tremble. She eventually sits down on the floor, overwhelmed by grief.

Significance: This scene vividly portrays the tangible nature of grief. The closet becomes a physical representation of her mother's absence. The act of handling her mother's clothes evokes memories and emotions that Adele is unable to process. Her inability to complete the simple task of folding clothes highlights her emotional paralysis. This scene effectively communicates the overwhelming nature of grief and its impact on even the most mundane tasks.

Further Discussion Points:

• The film's use of symbolism.
• The director's artistic choices and their impact on the narrative.
• The film's relevance to contemporary audiences.
• The film's limitations (if any).

Conclusion

Adele and Everything After is a powerful and deeply moving film that offers a realistic and empathetic portrayal of grief, healing, and the importance of found family. Emily Kinney's exceptional performance anchors the film, while the well-developed characters and thought-provoking themes create a truly memorable cinematic experience. While not without its flaws, the film's honesty and its message of hope make it a valuable contribution to the genre of films exploring loss and recovery. It is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the complexities of human emotion and the enduring power of human connection. The film's strength lies in its ability to make audiences feel seen and understood, reminding them that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of healing and finding light.