David Oyelowo on The After: I had to crack open my heart for this role

Actor David Oyelowo opened up about his emotional journey in the short film “The After,” where he channeled his own grief over losing both his parents. He described the challenging process of tapping into his emotions to bring authenticity to his role.

David Oyelowo revisited his grief after losing both his parents by starring in short film The After.

The acclaimed actor, nominated for a Golden Globe, expressed a sense of “fear and trepidation” when approached to star in the short film, The After.

Opening up about the experience, he shared with the BBC, “I knew it would necessitate baring my soul and allowing the world in somehow.” Despite the apprehension, he acknowledged that it was precisely this fear that compelled him to take on the project.

The After depicts the journey of Dayo, portrayed by Oyelowo, as he grapples with an unforeseen, devastating loss that transforms his entire existence in an instant, leaving him immersed in grief.

Oyelowo emphasized feeling “very secure” under the guidance of director and co-writer Misan Harriman.

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Oyelowo expressed being profoundly affected by Harriman’s film concept, revealing that it resonated deeply with him. At the time, he was navigating his own path of personal grief, having lost his mother in 2017 and subsequently his father in 2020.

In the end, he discovered a sense of catharsis in portraying the role, immersing himself in research by delving into various resources on grief. Through this exploration, he recognized a universal thread of shared human experience, realizing the commonality that binds us all in the journey of existence.

“As you acknowledge more and more that beyond race, gender, culture, and country, you sense a connection to something,” he emphasizes.

The actor is cautious not to discuss others’ experiences because “it’s such a personal matter, and one wouldn’t want to intensify someone’s journey through grief by making it seem like it’s being utilized for an artistic endeavor that they may not necessarily relate to.”

Harriman, who collaborated with John Julius Schwabach on The After, discusses the enduring “mental health crisis” stemming from the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, expressing the belief that it has not yet subsided.

According to him, “I think we are still witnessing the mental health repercussions of that.”

The filmmaker aimed to create a movie devoid of filters, showcasing vulnerability, to enable viewers to recognize facets of their own journeys through grief and anxiety. The intention was for people to connect with the film and gain insights that could contribute to their personal rebuilding.

Harriman emphasizes ongoing conversations with young individuals who have felt significant losses, noting a prevalent surge in chronic depression. He underscores the urgency of addressing these mental health challenges.

“We’re not doing well,” he expresses. “I aimed to create a complementary piece to address those concerns and help people grasp that it’s perfectly fine not to be okay. It’s acceptable to find oneself sitting on the floor without all the answers at times.

“The stakes are incredibly high right now.”

In ‘The After,’ we observe Dayo attempting to navigate life amidst his grief as a rideshare driver. Despite being in close proximity to others, he is emotionally isolated.

Oyelowo elaborates, “One of the film’s objectives is to illustrate that loneliness can manifest even in the midst of a crowd.”

The film has been shortlisted for the Oscars’ best live action short category, with nominations set to be revealed on January 23, featuring five contenders in that specific category.

David Oyelowo, familiar with awards ceremonies from his previous experiences, expresses his astonishment at Misan Harriman’s first film making it to the Oscar shortlist, calling it “kind of bonkers.” Harriman, battling imposter syndrome, acknowledges the positive impact of the recognition.

Oyelowo, known for his role in the 2015 film Selma, recounts the movie’s two Oscar nominations and its best original song win, although it was overlooked at the Baftas. Reflecting on last year’s Bafta awards criticized for lacking diversity among winners despite a diverse nominee pool, Oyelowo remarks on the situation, suggesting that the need for improvement at Bafta “speaks for itself.”

Oyelowo expresses his aspiration for the film to prompt viewers to confront necessary truths or accept certain realities. He emphasizes the film’s intention to culminate in a hopeful space. Reflecting on his personal experience of grief, he acknowledges the inherent beauty and hope intertwined in the journey. Oyelowo underscores the interconnectedness of loss and love, asserting that genuine loss is a testament to the existence of true love. Despite the challenges, he expresses a sentiment of not wanting to trade the experience of genuine love in his life.

When it comes to acting and storytelling, authenticity is key. This certainly holds true for David Oyelowo’s approach to his latest role in The After. In a recent interview, Oyelowo shared how portraying this character required him to dig deep and crack open his heart. His commitment to bringing genuine emotion to the screen is evident in his portrayal, and audiences are sure to be moved by his performance. The After promises to be a heartfelt experience, and Oyelowo’s dedication to the role only amplifies the anticipation for this upcoming production.