Directed by
Nicolás López
Made by
Dimension Films
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Aftershock (2013). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Three travelers, Gringo, Ariel, and Pollo, embarked on an adventure through the vibrant landscapes of Chile. Their journey took an unexpected turn as they partied in a local club, where they encountered three lively women: sisters Monica and Kylie, along with their Russian friend Irina. The two groups decided to join forces and travel together to the picturesque city of Valparaiso. However, their celebration was abruptly interrupted when a devastating earthquake struck the area, resulting in numerous casualties and leaving many trapped beneath the rubble. In a desperate attempt to assist a bartender ensnared in the debris, Ariel’s hand was severed, further complicating their perilous situation.
Panic ensued as their efforts to escape were thwarted by additional falling debris. A brave cleaning lady from the club guided them through a hidden tunnel that led to a nearby manhole. Tragically, just as they emerged, a passing truck collided with the elderly woman, resulting in her untimely death. The group quickly discovered that their car was damaged beyond repair, and with Ariel’s condition deteriorating from blood loss, they resolved to transport him to a hospital situated atop a nearby hill.
Amidst the chaos, a tsunami warning rang out, urging them to hurry towards a cart that would cascade up the hill. After some negotiations, they managed to secure a spot for Ariel in the cart alongside other frightened individuals. Unfortunately, as they reached the peak, a sudden aftershock caused the cart to plummet back down, leading to catastrophic results with all occupants meeting their end.
In their heartache over the loss of Ariel, the remaining group members made their way towards the cemetery in a desperate bid to reach the cathedral perched atop the hill, using the same hidden tunnel. However, their path soon crossed with a gang of looters, who turned out to be escaped prisoners from a nearby facility that had crumbled during the quake. As the group attempted to navigate past them, the women caught the attention of the men, leading to further complications.
In a tragic twist, a building collapsed on Gringo, trapping him, while Monica and Pollo raced off to find help. During this frantic search, they encountered a firetruck that had gone off course. The situation worsened as one firefighter was grievously injured, while another was trapped. Despite the chaos, they managed to rescue one of the firefighters, who explained the ongoing turmoil arising from the escaped prisoners’ takeover of the vehicle.
Back with Gringo, Irina tried to comfort the wounded man while Kylie alerted them to the prisoners’ approaching presence. Gringo bravely advised the women to hide, arguing that the prisoners would likely only be interested in his possessions. As they concealed themselves among the tombs, the prisoners threatened Gringo, pouring alcohol over him and threatening to ignite it unless he revealed the women’s location. In a moment of desperation, Irina emerged from hiding and attempted to flee, but was captured.
In a horrifying sequence, the leader of the prisoners subjected Irina to a brutal assault, while Gringo, striving to protect her, finally retaliated by hurling a rock at the aggressor. This act of bravery was met with tragic consequences, as the leader retaliated, setting Gringo ablaze and leaving him for dead. Hearing the chaos, Kylie made a desperate run for freedom, reuniting with Monica and the others. They returned in hopes of rescuing Irina, and in an act of violence, Pollo killed the leader’s brother in order to escape. However, they could not escape the onslaught, as the leader found them and, enraged by the death of his brother, shot and killed Irina.
With their ranks thinning, the group finally reached a gated building filled with other survivors, where a single mother hesitated to let them in. In the chaos, Pollo was shot when a member of the group pressed for entrance. Though injured, they managed to carry him away but decided to conceal him to seek help. Just then, Pollo’s phone rang, alerting the prisoners to their location, who subsequently found and killed him.
The remaining group pressed on and ultimately arrived at the cathedral, where they found refuge in the presence of a priest who shut the doors just in the nick of time. With the earth shaking beneath them from yet another aftershock, the stability of the cathedral was thrown into question. The priest led them to a hidden passage, and as they descended down the ladder, another violent tremor struck, causing chaos. The priest tragically fell to his death, and Kylie was injured as well, landing awkwardly on a metal object.
As the situation continued to escalate, the firefighter who had earlier helped the group revealed his prison tattoos, shaking Kylie’s trust to its core. Fearful for her life, she promised she wouldn’t reveal his identity. Meanwhile, Monica ingeniously found ropes to assist her descent down the ladder shaft. When she discovered Kylie’s lifeless body, the fake firefighter turned on her, but an aftershock allowed her the chance to strike back, killing him.
At last, Monica managed to escape through the tunnels, surfacing on a tranquil beach. Overwhelmed with disbelief at her survival, her moment of solace was shattered as she turned to see a massive tsunami rushing towards her, a stark reminder of the day’s harrowing events.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Aftershock (2013) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Traveling to Chile
Three travelers, Gringo, Ariel, and Pollo, embark on an adventure through Chile. They are excited to explore the culture and nightlife of the country, which sets the stage for their journey.
Meeting New Friends
While partying in a club, the travelers meet three young women, sisters Monica and Kylie, and their Russian friend Irina. The atmosphere is lively, and the two groups decide to join forces and travel to Valparaiso together.
The Earthquake
As they enjoy another club in Valparaiso, a devastating earthquake strikes. Chaos ensues as people are trapped under debris, and Ariel suffers a horrific injury when he tries to help a bartender in distress.
The First Escape
The group attempts to escape the chaos but are blocked by more falling debris. Fortunately, a cleaning lady from the club leads them through a hidden tunnel, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the disaster.
Tragedy Strikes
As they reach the manhole to escape, the group witnesses a tragic accident when a passing truck hits the cleaning lady, killing her instantly. This event adds to the weight of their situation and heightens their urgency to escape.
Searching for Help
Once outside, they discover their car has been destroyed in the earthquake. With Ariel's condition worsening due to blood loss, they decide they must get him to a hospital located at the top of a nearby hill.
Rushing to the Hill
As they rush towards the cart taking them up the hill, a tsunami warning echoes in the air, heightening their panic. They negotiate to get Ariel on the cart, desperate to reach safety.
The Aftershock
After reaching the top of the hill, a violent aftershock occurs, causing the cart to plummet back down, leading to the horrific deaths of everyone inside, including Ariel who they had just hoped to save.
Facing Looters
Mourning Ariel's death, the group makes their way to a cemetery in search of safety. They encounter a looting party comprised of escaped prisoners, which adds another layer of danger to their already perilous situation.
Gringo's Injury
During their attempt to escape, Gringo is pinned under falling debris while helping the others evade the prisoners. His injury complicates their escape even further, leaving Monica and Pollo to find help.
Rescue Attempt
Monica and Pollo come across an out-of-control firetruck while seeking help for Gringo. They manage to rescue a firefighter trapped in the cab amid the chaos, revealing the precarious conditions in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Irina's Capture
As Irina attempts to comfort Gringo, she hears the prisoners approaching. Gringo sacrifices his safety to protect her, telling her to hide, but Irina is soon caught, leading to an inescapable tragedy.
The Assault
The prisoners, enraged and cruel, threaten Gringo and assault Irina. In a desperate act, he throws a rock at the leader, but the retaliation ends tragically with Gringo being set ablaze, resulting in his death.
Struggling to Survive
Kylie and the others regroup to save Irina, but chaos ensues as the leader's brother attempts to continue the assault. Just when they think they can escape, the leader returns and fires upon the group, tragically killing Irina.
Final Escape and the Tsunami
The survivors finally arrive at a gated building seeking refuge but face more violence. As they dive into underground tunnels, a series of aftershocks and chaos lead Monica to escape through a hidden passage, only to be confronted by an impending tsunami.
Explore all characters from Aftershock (2013). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Gringo
Gringo is depicted as a brave yet vulnerable character, facing extreme adversity during the earthquake. He tries to protect his friends but ultimately becomes a victim of the chaotic circumstances. His tragic fate serves as a catalyst for the emotional depth of the story.
Ariel
Ariel is a key figure who struggles with a severe injury while trying to help others. His condition deteriorates as the group navigates through the rubble, showcasing his courage but also his fragility in crisis. His sacrifice highlights the themes of friendship and desperation.
Monica
Monica emerges as a strong and resourceful character, displaying determination and resilience in the face of tragedy. As events unfold, her desperation to save her friends transforms into a fight for survival. Her experiences underscore the theme of loss and the drive to endure.
Kylie
Kylie showcases bravery and loyalty throughout the chaos, trying to navigate her way through danger. Her bond with the group and her eventual tragic fate exemplify the profound effects of loss. She becomes a symbol of the innocent lives affected by the disaster.
Irina
Irina's character deals with the horrors brought about by the disaster, facing dark challenges that test her resolve. Her fate serves to highlight the thematic elements of vulnerability and the brutal realities of survival. She is portrayed as both a victim and a determined individual.
Learn where and when Aftershock (2013) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The film captures the immediate aftermath of a devastating earthquake and the escalating chaos that follows. The narrative unfolds over a very short period as the characters experience fear, tragedy, and survival instincts. The events are set in a contemporary context, reflecting modern societal challenges.
Location
Chile, Valparaiso
The movie takes place in Chile, a South American country known for its rich culture and diverse landscapes. Valparaiso, a vibrant coastal city, is characterized by its colorful houses and steep hills. The city is a popular destination for travelers who appreciate its scenic views and artistic vibe.
Discover the main themes in Aftershock (2013). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
😢
Survival
Survival is a central theme, highlighting the instinctual drive to live amidst disaster. The characters are pushed to their limits as they face life-threatening situations, forcing them to make difficult decisions. The struggle to protect one another amidst chaos reflects both human resilience and vulnerability.
💔
Loss
Loss permeates the narrative as characters grapple with the traumatic impact of the earthquake. Personal tragedies unfold as friends and loved ones are lost, deeply affecting the survivors. The emotional weight of these losses drives character interactions and decisions throughout the film.
⚠️
Desperation
Desperation emerges as the characters confront overwhelming odds in their fight for survival. The panic of wanting to find help clashes with the harsh realities of their environment. This theme emphasizes how crises can reveal the depths of human character, both good and bad.
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.