THE AFTERMATH

Director: James Kent

UK/Germany, 109, R

Screenwriter: Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, based on the novel by Rhidian Brook.

Cast: Keira Knightley, Alexander Skarsgård, Jason Clarke, Flora Li Thiemann.

 

Fans of director James Kent’s World War I drama Testament of Youth now have the chance to see the filmmaker’s newest work, filled with just as much romance, sweeping history, and impeccable acting. Based on a true story, Aftermath is set at the end of World War II. Keira Knightley (of Colette) and Australian actor Jason Clarke play a troubled British couple who are sent to requisition a German estate in Hamburg. Easing the way to reconciliation, they allow the German owner, an anti-Nazi architect (Alexander Skarsgard of Big Little Lies) to live on the upper floor with his young daughter. Although damaged by war and loss, Knightley and Skarsgard finds themselves drawn into a passion both undesired, and unstoppable.

“Knightley gives grace, heart, and nerve. Skarsgard gives it smolder and sex appeal. And sometimes, dear reader, that’s all a movie needs!” Ty Burr, Boston Globe. 109 min.