The film follows three primary characters whose lives intersect in various ways:
George Lonegan (played by Matt Damon) is a reluctant psychic who has the ability to communicate with the dead. However, he finds this gift to be more of a burden than a blessing and tries to distance himself from it.
Marie Lelay (played by Cécile de France) is a French journalist who has a near-death experience when she is caught in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. After her experience, she becomes obsessed with death and the afterlife, much to the concern of her colleagues and loved ones.
Marcus and Jason (played by Frankie and George McLaren) are British twin brothers. Jason is killed in a car accident, leaving Marcus devastated and searching for answers about what happens after death.
In the climax, George reluctantly agrees to help a client who wants to communicate with her deceased husband. However, during the reading, he has a vision of Marie’s near-death experience instead. Marie’s book about her experience is rejected by publishers, and she decides to take a vacation to gain perspective on her life.
As the plot unfolds, George decides to embrace his gift and starts teaching a cooking class. Marcus struggles to cope with the loss of his brother and becomes involved with a drug dealer. Marie travels to London and meets Marcus, who recognizes her from her book. They form a connection, and Marie finally finds the closure she has been seeking.
In the resolution, George decides to leave his psychic abilities behind and pursue a relationship with a woman he meets in his cooking class. Marcus decides to move on with his life and let go of his grief over his brother’s death. Marie publishes her book and finds peace with her experience.
The film concludes with the three characters finding some semblance of closure and moving forward with their lives, despite the challenges they have faced.
“Hereafter” is praised for its thought-provoking exploration of themes such as death, grief, and the afterlife. It offers a nuanced and emotional portrayal of how different people grapple with these profound questions, making it a compelling and memorable film.