Drama France,United Kingdom
After Love tells the story of Mary Hussain, a British Muslim woman living in the coastal town of Dover. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her husband Ahmed passes away suddenly. As she mourns his death and navigates the grief, Mary is confronted with a shocking revelation.
Soon after Ahmed's burial, Mary stumbles upon a hidden secret he had been keeping from her throughout their marriage. It is revealed that Ahmed had been leading a double life in Calais, just twenty-one miles away across the English Channel. As Mary grapples with this discovery, she decides to embark on a journey to unravel the truth and confront the unknown aspects of her husband's life.
Traveling to Calais, Mary finds herself in a different world, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, language, and culture. She immerses herself in Ahmed's secret life as she digs deeper into his connections and the reasons behind his actions. Along the way, Mary encounters some of Ahmed's friends and acquaintances who offer her insight into his hidden existence.
As Mary delves into Ahmed's secret, she begins to question her own identity and beliefs. The journey forces her to confront her own assumptions, cultural expectations, and the challenges of living between two different worlds. She grapples with her feelings of betrayal, loss, and the need to rebuild her life.
Throughout the film, Mary's relationships with her two sons, Solomon and Jonah, also undergo a transformation. As she unravels the complexities of Ahmed's secret life, her sons must come to terms with their father's actions and the impact it has on their family.
After Love explores themes of love, loss, identity, and cultural assimilation. It sheds light on the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which secrets can fracture and reshape lives. Mary's journey ultimately leads her towards self-discovery and a deeper understanding of herself, her husband, and the world they inhabited.