After Earth is a 2013 sci-fi film starring Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith. The plot of the film is based on a futuristic Earth where a father and son try to survive after a crash. But the film was panned by critics upon release—it was even nominated for a Razzie Award.
But the question is: Was the film really that bad, or were there biased reasons behind it?
Thesis: After Earth was unfairly criticized not just for racial bias, but also for assumptions about Scientology and superficial reviews from some white male critics. He ignored the Afrofuturist themes and emotional layers of the film.
The Problem with White Male Film Criticism
Lazy Criticism: Many white male reviewers focused on technical flaws “boring,” “bad acting,” “it sucked” but did not explore deeper narratives and themes.
Single Lens Approach: When marginalized communities watch movies, their lens is different racial, gendered, or political. But mainstream (white) critics judge from their limited perspective, assuming universal opinion.
Examples: While After Earth was dismissed, white-led sci-fi films like Oblivion (Tom Cruise) or Elysium (Matt Damon) got praise even they had similar themes.
After Earth as Afrofuturism
Afrofuturism meaning: This is a genre in which Black stories are told in futuristic and sci-fi settings it challenges historical erasure.
Key Elements in Film:
- All-Black cast in a future world no white characters at all.
- Themes: Legacy, father-son bonding, survival in a hostile environment.
- Black Panther-like similarities a son who struggles with the legacy of his powerful father.
Will Smith's Sci-Fi Legacy: Films like Men in Black, I Am Legend are hits. So why was After Earth made the target?
The Film’s Emotional Core: Black Masculinity & Trauma
Cypher Raige’s Character: An emotionally detached father who gives survival training this toxic masculinity reflects the struggles of real-life Black men.
Kitai’s Journey: Guilt, grief, and an intense desire to seek his father’s approval. This journey is emotional and connects deeply with Black audiences.
Emotional Scene: When Cypher thinks his son is dead (connected to the trauma of his daughter’s death) this scene is powerful and relatable to Black viewers.
Racial Bias in the Backlash
"No White Characters" Discomfort: Many critics found it uncomfortable that the film lacked white representation as was the case with Luke Cage and Black Panther.
Scientology Smear: The focus was on Will Smith and Shyamalan's beliefs, while this issue never arose in other films by those actors/directors.
Double Standards: The Pursuit of Happyness received praise, but After Earth was called a “vanity project” even though Will and Jaden had a real-life bond.
Defending the Film’s Merits
Middle-of-the-Road Blockbuster: Perhaps not a masterpiece, but the film was technically competent the acting, visuals, pacing were all decent.
Universal Themes: Father-son bond, fighting fear, emotional healing these themes resonate deeply with Black audiences.
Cultural Timing: The film was released in 2013 there wasn’t a current wave of BLM or racial discourse at that time. Perhaps this is why people didn’t understand the value of the film.
Conclusion: Reclaiming After Earth
After Earth is an important Afrofuturist story that was unfairly dismissed.
It’s time to look at this film outside of a white critical lens and appreciate its emotional and cultural depth.
Final Thought: “If you like this film, own it your taste is valid.”
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