
"It's packed full of slapstick, pop culture references, and random jokes but unfortunately the film doesn't quite connect with this reviewer"
It’s a Wonderful Afterlife is the new film by Gurinder Chadha, director of Bend It Like Beckham. It is a weird, black comedy about Indian women in London taking charge of their lives, couples’ need for honesty in their relationships, mothers’ responsibilities to their daughters, and... murderer!.
It's packed full of slapstick, pop culture references, and random jokes but unfortunately the film doesn't quite connect with this reviewer. The thought of marriage for its own sake simply doesn’t strike as especially imperative, and makes the whole driving force behind the plot seem somewhat trivial. Luckily, the performances from all of the actors in this film are all tremendously strong, and remain engaging even when the story seems spoofed and elementary. The unconditional love Mrs.Sethi is unquestionable, and it is completely clear that she would do anything to assure her daughter’s happiness.
It pushes boundaries and is unbelievably over the top. Director, Chadha makes no attempt at subtlety in any regard; from the exposition of the plot via dialogue, to the makeup effects on the ghosts, even to the references to the films that inspired her as a filmmaker. In fact, there is a hysterical, if a little long, scene that is basically what would happen if the climax from Brian DePalma’s Carrie took place at an Indian wedding. With its high spiritual energy It's A Wonderful Afterlife is watchable from start to finish and I would recommend waiting for the end credits where you will see some amusing outtakes as the cast dance on set to 'Staying Alive - Bollywood style.
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