Watch: ‘The Day After The Day After’ – An Existential Crisis Short Film

by Alex Billington
April 8, 2024
Source: YouTube

“I guess you just popped into my mind, and uh…” Who would you call when you’re having an existential crisis? Is there anyone you need to reconnect with? The Day After The Day After is a short film written and directed by filmmaker Sam Benenati, riffing on the gripping existential fear that washes over anyone who watches this iconic movie about a nuclear attack. Starring Brian DeMarco as Frank. This intro from our friends at Short of the Weeks sums it up: “The writer/director of this film, Sam Benenati, does not truly care about the 1983 made-for-TV movie The Day After [watch it here] or its cultural legacy, but latching onto a nostalgic event does serve as an intriguing hook for his sometimes spartan short, and as clever shorthand for communicating Frank’s distressed headspace.” It’s sort of a dark comedy, though it gets super emotional as it plays out. Either way, this is a great short with a fantastic performance from this Frank guy.

Thanks to Short of the Week for the tip on this one. Intro via YouTube: “After a man watches the TV movie The Day After he slips into an existential crisis and calls his first love whom he hasn’t talked to in years.” The Day After The Day After is written and directed by filmmaker Sam Benenati based in Los Angeles – you can view more of his work on his Vimeo page or visit his official site or follow him on IG @sambenenati. Featuring cinematography by Jacob “Kuba” Bojsza, and original music by Bridget Benenate, Perry Benenati, Jesse Benenati. With production design by Matt Wlker. Sam writes on IG: “Very proud of this little movie and I’m incredibly grateful I got to work with this supremely talented cast and crew. Thank you to all!” For more info, visit SOTW or Sam’s website. To discover more shorts, click here. Have you seen The Day After?

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