After Earth

Synopsis

After Earth is a 2013 science fiction action film starring Jaden Smith and Will Smith, directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The story is set in a distant future where humanity has evacuated Earth due to environmental catastrophes. Cypher Raige (Will Smith), a revered general, crash-lands on the now dangerous and alien Earth along with his son, Kitai (Jaden Smith). When Cypher is injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey across the hostile terrain to find help while confronting his own fears and proving his worth. The film explores themes of survival, courage, and father-son relationships against the backdrop of a visually immersive, post-apocalyptic world.

Cast

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  Jaden Smith

  Kitai Raige

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  Will Smith

  Cypher Raige

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  Sophie Okonedo

  Faia Raige

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  Zoë Kravitz

  Senshi Raige

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  Glenn Morshower

  Commander Velan

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  Kristofer Hivju

  Security Chief

Reviews

After Earth received predominantly negative reviews from critics upon its release. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a low approval rating of 12%, with critics citing its predictable plot and lack of compelling storytelling. The website's consensus notes that the film’s strong visuals are overshadowed by a clichéd script and underwhelming performances. IMDb users rated the movie 4.8 out of 10, reflecting mixed audience reactions—while some appreciated the father-son dynamic and special effects, others found it slow and uninspired. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 33 out of 100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. Critics from major outlets like Variety pointed to the film’s heavy-handed messaging and lack of originality. However, the film's production design and visual effects received occasional praise for creating an immersive environment. Overall, After Earth struggled to connect with viewers and critics alike, often described as a disappointment given its high-profile cast and premise.