The Days Ahead

A feature post-apocalyptic drama, written and directed by Terry Winnan and starring Craig Rogers, Cy Ebert, Tom Little, Rachel Hassett, Julie Holt and Alec Hopkins.

 

The story takes place in present day and a nuclear war has erupted. Through three separate stories, the film follows how people in Britain are dealing with the aftermath of such a devastating attack. Each story lasts between twenty and thirty minutes, each has its own title and they are shown one after the other. First, there is Stranded, which takes place inside an office workplace, whith several employees being forced to stay there until they figure out what to do. Then, there is Prepared, which centres on a man (Rogers) protecting his wife (Hassett) and daughter (Clara Winnan), while they barricade themselves in their home, and finally there is Post, which involves another family man (Ebert) taking shelter inside a bunker with his wife and daughter.

 

All three stories have a similar plot: people forced to stay at a secluded location following a nuclear attack, trying desperately to survive and all stories contain a distressing atmosphere filled with fear and melancholy that is supported by dramatic music. The drama is quite heavy, with a great deal of arguing and weeping, heart-warming moments and there is some action and people get killed. The filmmakers effectively create a world of despair and death and further praise goes to the creativity when the bombs impact.

 

If there is a flaw to point out, that would be in the Prepared story, in the part where following killings due to self-defence, the immediate reaction of the characters is rather unconvincing. Apart from this, the performances are strong.

 

All three stories have a character who is (in their own ways) prepared for the aftermath of a nuclear strike. In Stranded, it is Phil, an anxious young man who has been researching online about surviving a nuclear war. In Prepared, Chris is the one, a loving husband and father who has been immensely getting ready for such a terrible event, gathering all sorts of supplies, including gas masks, radiation detectors and crossbows. In Post, Phil is pretty much like Chris, a family man and methodical person doing his best to keep his loved ones safe. These three are the main protagonists and regarding the supporting characters, the ones who stand out are Chris' apprehensive wife, Steve (Hopkins), an aggressive and sarcastic youngster and Sharon and Tasha (Annabel Lisk), the unfortunate women trapped in a dark and deteriorating building with Phil and Steve.

 

As this film is about experiencing a nuclear attack, survival is a key theme, particularly surviving nuclear radiation and raiders. Furthermore, other consequences of war that affect the human mind are also explored, including mental health, fear, anger and loss. Additionally, family values play a main part.

 

Three dramatic stories about the aftermath of a nuclear strike in the United Kingdom and seen through the eyes of everyday people. This feature is intriguing, containing stories about desperation and examining how strong individuals can be in order to survive and protect others.