Directed by
Peter Engert
Made by
Image Entertainment
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Aftermath (2014). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
As the film begins, Hunter (C. J. Thomason) finds himself on an isolated highway, where he encounters Jennifer and her young brother Satchel. While they are halted, they witness shocking mushroom clouds erupting at a distance, decimating several “targets.” Tragically, Satchel ends up blinded after staring directly at a nuclear explosion. The bombs produce an electromagnetic pulse that disables Jennifer’s car, forcing them to search for an alternative. They discover an old diesel vehicle that remains operational despite the EMP and gather essential supplies from nearby stores.
In their journey, they subsequently meet Elizabeth (Monica Keena), who reveals alarming news of explosions across other major cities within view. Radio reports confirm the catastrophic destruction of prominent East and West Coast cities, leaving them shocked and fearful.
During their quest for sanctuary in a nearby home, Hunter is unexpectedly shot by a frightened child, and with heavy hearts, the group exits, unable to assist the child in distress. They soon arrive at another farmhouse, initially believing it to be deserted. However, their entry is interrupted by Brad (Edward Furlong) and Jonathan (Ross Britz). Brad, armed and anxious, attempts to chase them off, but Hunter manages to disarm him. Jonathan, whose grandparents own the farmhouse, proposes that Hunter’s group join four existing survivors: himself, his diabetic uncle Wendell, Brad, and Brad’s pregnant wife Angie.
Taking charge, Hunter organizes the relatively small group, instructing them to transfer their supplies into the cellar and fortify it against the impending radioactive fallout. He examines his own gunshot wound and finds a small bottle of antibiotics in the bathroom, a fortunate discovery in a time of despair. Once everything is secured in the cellar, Hunter and Jonathan block the door, resolving to stay safe within for a minimum of a month to dodge the fallout’s worst effects. A Geiger counter reveals surprisingly high radiation levels already present in their surroundings.
As days pass, Jonathan manages to retrieve electronics he had previously stashed within a metal safe — a radio and an MP3 player that remarkably survived the blast. He dedicates his time to repairing the short-wave radio, allowing the group to listen to news of devastation in Europe and other areas caused by nuclear warfare. After successfully fixing the microphone, they start communicating with other survivors holed up in similar bunkers across the States.
A few days later, they are joined by Jonathan’s friend Rob (Andre Royo), who, unfortunately, is accidentally shot while trying to gain access to the basement. Having being outside longer, Rob bears radiation burns along with the early indications of radiation poisoning. Though he survives the gunshot, Jonathan is plunged into grief, feeling responsible for his friend’s injury, but nevertheless welcomes him into their underground refuge.
Despite their careful measures, the survivors progressively weaken due to the radiation. Wendell, already vulnerable because of his diabetes, is the first to succumb to the circumstances. As they bury Wendell, they are compelled to fend off an assault from desperate survivors, themselves weakened after enduring nearly two weeks of radiation exposure.
Angie experiences severe vomiting caused by radiation poisoning, leading to a tragic miscarriage. Overcome by grief, Brad grows furious as he watches his wife and unborn child perish. In a moment of desperation, he threatens to kill Satchel if Hunter does not save Angie, but Jonathan intervenes, knocking Brad unconscious with a shovel and binding his hands.
After losing contact with the other bunker and hearing a harrowing attack, the group realizes that they are alone, with hope diminishing. Hunter watches as the illness from radiation begins to claim each member of their small band. Tragically, Satchel develops pneumonia, and the group can only look on helplessly as he falls ill and ultimately dies. Hunter is engulfed in guilt, agonizing over having used their limited antibiotics for his own injury. Rob, facing reality, carries Satchel’s body outside to bury it, declining to take a gun, asserting that those inside ought to keep it.
In a moment of clarity, Brad seeks forgiveness and is then unbound by Hunter. In the following two days, the others — Elizabeth, Jennifer, and Jonathan, begin to experience severe symptoms, including hair loss and fatigue from the radiation. Hunter and Brad, also beginning to lose their hair, listen intently to sounds from upstairs, reiterating the necessity for the others to conserve their energy in preparation for an impending attack. They come to grips with the likelihood that Rob, who remains outside for two days, is no longer returning.
The anticipated assault unfolds, causing Hunter to realize the untenable position they are in inside the basement. He steps outside following the initial onslaught. Tragically, during the confrontation, Elizabeth is stabbed by one of the intruders and dies in Hunter’s grasp. Enraged, Hunter, accompanied by Brad, avenges her death by confronting her assailant, resulting in Brad’s demise but ultimately leading to the death of the attacker by Hunter’s hand. Battling disillusionment, Hunter returns to the house to discover Jonathan aiming a gun at him; moments later, Jonathan turns it on himself. With the basement now rendered dangerous, Hunter and Jennifer ascend the stairs and curl up together in bed, seeking solace amidst the chaos.
Finally, the film concludes several weeks later, showcasing a grim reality where only Hunter and Jennifer are left alive, gravely ill from radiation exposure. They are seen drinking tainted water from a yard pump while Rob’s lifeless body is positioned against a tree, revealing that he managed to bury Satchel but chose not to return to the basement before succumbing to the radiation.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Aftermath (2014) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Highway Encounter
Hunter meets Jennifer and her young brother Satchel on a highway. As they are stopped, they witness several nuclear detonations in the distance, which result in mushroom clouds that destroy nearby targets.
Car Breaks Down
The electromagnetic pulse from the detonations disables Jennifer's car, stranding the group. They begin searching for a vehicle that can still run and gather essential supplies.
Elizabeth Joins the Group
Hunter's group encounters Elizabeth, who informs them about the destruction of major cities across the country. This revelation intensifies their urgency to find safety.
Shot While Seeking Shelter
While trying to find shelter in a nearby home, Hunter is shot by a frightened child. The group quickly leaves the scene, unable to assist the injured child.
Finding a Farmhouse
The group discovers another farmhouse that they initially think is unoccupied. However, they are confronted by Brad and Jonathan, who hold them at gunpoint until Hunter disarms Brad.
Barricading the Cellar
Once inside the farmhouse, Hunter organizes the survivors and directs them to move all supplies into the cellar. They barricade the cellar door to prepare for incoming fallout.
Radio Repairs
For several days, Jonathan works on retrieving and fixing a short-wave radio that could link them to other survivors. They start to hear news about global destruction from nuclear bombs.
Rob's Arrival
Jonathan's friend Rob arrives, but is accidentally shot while trying to enter the basement. He brings radiation burns with him and struggles with the consequences of being outside.
Death of Uncle Wendell
As radiation exposure takes its toll, Jonathan's uncle Wendell dies due to his diabetes worsening. The group buries him as they fend off an attack from desperate outside survivors.
Tragedy Strikes
Angie suffers from radiation poisoning which leads to a miscarriage and ultimately her death. Brad, devastated by the loss of his wife and unborn child, threatens the group in despair.
Satchel's Illness
Satchel develops pneumonia as the group continues to weaken from radiation exposure. The group is powerless to prevent his death, adding to the growing sense of hopelessness.
Desperation and Realization
With communication lost with other survivors and the attack looming, the group recognizes the futility of their situation. Hunter and the others start to succumb to the effects of radiation.
Final Assault
An attack occurs, and in the chaos, Elizabeth is stabbed and dies in Hunter's arms. Overcome with rage, Hunter retaliates against their assailants but suffers further losses.
Aftermath of the Attack
Brad sacrifices himself to save Hunter during the melee, illustrating the dire stakes of their situation. The remaining survivors realize that they are now alone with no refuge.
The World Outside
Weeks later, Hunter and Jennifer are left as the only survivors. They are gravely ill from radiation exposure, drinking contaminated water, surrounded by the remnants of their fallen companions.
Explore all characters from Aftermath (2014). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Hunter
Hunter is a determined and resourceful leader forced to navigate the collapse of civilization. He exhibits bravery and a willingness to sacrifice for his group, but also battles with guilt over his decisions and the fallout of their circumstances. His character arc is a complex mix of survival instincts and emotional turmoil as he faces increasingly harrowing challenges.
Jennifer
Jennifer is a resilient and caring character who endures the trauma of survival alongside Hunter. Her strength is evident as she confronts the horrors around her, providing emotional support to the group. She embodies the struggle to maintain hope despite overwhelming loss and despair.
Brad
Brad is a troubled survivor driven by the grief of loss and the instinct to protect. Initially aggressive, his character evolves as he confronts the stark realities of their situation and becomes a crucial ally in the face of danger. His journey reflects the theme of redemption amidst chaos.
Jonathan
Jonathan is a pragmatic member of the group, offering critical thinking and technical skills that prove invaluable in their survival efforts. He experiences deep emotional turmoil as the situation deteriorates, revealing the toll that impending doom takes on his psyche as he grapples with loss and guilt.
Learn where and when Aftermath (2014) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Near Future
The events unfold in a dystopian near future marked by devastating nuclear warfare. This period is defined by chaos, loss, and the struggle for survival as society collapses under the weight of destruction. Characters grapple with the immediacy of death and the haunting consequences of man-made disasters.
Location
Farmhouse, Local Home
The primary setting is a secluded farmhouse that serves as a refuge for the survivors amidst a catastrophic nuclear event. This rural location is characterized by its isolation, making it an ideal but precarious hideout, as they battle both external threats and internal decay. The nearby local home symbolizes the fragility of safety in the face of widespread destruction.
Discover the main themes in Aftermath (2014). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Survival
The theme of survival is central to the narrative as characters navigate the harrowing aftermath of a nuclear catastrophe. Each survivor faces both external dangers and internal conflicts, making choices that test their morals and resilience in a desperate quest for life. Tension rises as they confront the harsh realities of food scarcity, radiation exposure, and emotional trauma.
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Grief
Grief profoundly impacts the characters throughout their ordeal. As they lose loved ones to radiation sickness and violence, the emotional toll exacerbates their physical struggles. This theme serves as a reminder of the human cost of survival, illustrating how trauma can fracture bonds and challenge the will to continue.
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Desperation
Desperation drives characters to extreme actions as they confront their dire circumstances. The film explores how fear and the instinct to survive can lead individuals to make morally ambiguous decisions. The struggle for resources and safety morphs into conflict, revealing the darker aspects of human nature under pressure.
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