North Bend Film Festival 2022

The Life Beyond Institute, headquartered in California and led by Dr. Stevenson (portrayed by Karen Gillan), has made a groundbreaking discovery that provides concrete evidence of the existence of an afterlife. As a result, they have developed a new elective procedure that enables patients to journey into the great beyond while being tracked and monitored. New York residents Rose (played by Katie Parker) and Teddy (portrayed by Rahul Kohli) are strangers who have both signed up for this experimental venture. They are brought together by chance and left to journey from New York to California together.

As Rose and Teddy continue their journey toward the afterlife, they find themselves reflecting on their pasts. They delve into the events and circumstances that led them to this moment, contemplate the decisions that brought them to embark on this journey, and confront the reality of what they choose to leave behind. While I was initially drawn to this film for its science fiction and ghostly elements, I soon realized they were not the main focus. Instead, Next Exit transforms into a character drama, which is made even more potent by the outstanding performances of Parker and Kohli. These two actors skillfully bring to life their characters' grief and confront their past traumas, resulting in a captivating and emotionally moving exploration of the complexities of life and death.

Having been featured at the North Bend Film Festival, “Next Exit” showcases the promising debut of director Mali Elfman. Although I don't think everything coalesces in the end, “Next Exit” still leaves a lasting impact on the viewer as an emotionally resonant exploration of the human experience and the mysteries beyond our mortal existence.

— 3 / 5 ⭐