Aftershock

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Aftershock

2022

1h 26m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

28 Reviews

54%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Following the deaths of their partners due to preventable childbirth complications and medical negligence, two bereaved fathers galvanize activists, birth-workers and physicians to reckon with one of the most pressing yet unspoken American crises of our time -- the US maternal health crisis.

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Critics Consensus

Aftershock points a sobering spotlight on a public health crisis, maintaining a heartbreaking focus on its tragic human cost.

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Tim Cogshell

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

I feel like I lost two little sisters in this film.

Jul 22, 2022

Full Review

Noel Murray

Los Angeles Times

Eiselt and Lee cover how these families — and in particular the fathers left behind by their partners’ passing — are still coping with unexpected loss.

Jul 22, 2022

Full Review

Beandrea July

New York Times

“Aftershock” is a moving ode to Black families in a society where too many forces work to tear them apart.

Jul 19, 2022

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Dan Schindel

Hyperallergic

"Aftershock" is a confrontation, a reminder that “Black Lives Matter” isn’t just a rallying cry against overt, visible brutality like what’s performed by the police.

Nov 10, 2022

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Carla Hay

Culture Mix

Aftershock is a disturbing but necessary documentary to watch for a reality check about how systemic racism in the U.S. health care system results in Black women dying shortly after childbirth at disproportionately higher rates than women of other races.

Sep 20, 2022

Full Review

Peter Canavese

Celluloid Dreams

An absolutely vital and timely documentary about the obscene maternal mortality rate in America and the systemic racism that pervades its healthcare system.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 11, 2022

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Rochelle T

A moving and distressing portrait of the Black maternal healthcare crisis in our country. I'm grateful to the families who shared their stories and hope millions of people watch. I wish this family would become required viewing in medical schools and for all hospital staff.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/23

Full Review

Dan C

Outstanding. Remarkably done documentary. Must see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/08/22

Full Review

Audience Member

The greatest 01 hour: and 26 minutes of real footage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am 100% sober and clean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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Audience Member

Obviously none of the other reviewers even watched this film. Important topic about how systemic racism affects childbirth.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

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Audience Member

This is a good film!! It's important too!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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greg r

The opening song and sequence alone, seemed to last 30 minutes. I shut it off.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Paula Eiselt

Director

Tonya Lewis Lee

Director

Paula Eiselt

Producer

Tonya Lewis Lee

Producer

Tegan Acton

Executive Producer

Geralyn White Dreyfous

Executive Producer

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Synopsis

Following the deaths of their partners due to preventable childbirth complications and medical negligence, two bereaved fathers galvanize activists, birth-workers and physicians to reckon with one of the most pressing yet unspoken American crises of our time -- the US maternal health crisis.

Director: Paula Eiselt, Tonya Lewis Lee
Producer: Paula Eiselt, Tonya Lewis Lee
Production Co: Impact Partners, A Malka Film, Madstone Company Inc
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 19, 2022
Runtime: 1h 26m

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