After the Dark

In the oppressive heat of Jakarta, Mr. Zimit introduces his class to a challenging thought experiment on ethics and survival. He presents a dire hypothetical scenario: an atomic apocalypse is imminent, and only ten students can escape to a survival bunker due to limited space.

Initially, top student Petra is resistant to engage in the exercise. However, when Zimit subtly warns her about the potential jeopardy her boyfriend James might face academically, she reluctantly decides to participate, feeling the pressure to protect him.

As the students begin to navigate the dilemma, they receive cards that define their roles for the hypothetical scenario. James's background as an organic farmer enhances his viability for survival, while Petra's engineering skills make her indispensable.

The class engages in intense discussions regarding who gets to enter the bunker, as each student advocates for their essential skills. This leads to heated debates about who deserves to go, exposing varying perceptions of worth within the group.

As decisions solidify, the students initially agree to let Zimit join them in the bunker, but he shocks them by revealing that those excluded will be euthanized. This horrifying admission sends the group into a panic as they rush into the bunker, locking Zimit out.

Years later, the survivors finally leave the bunker only to discover a devastating truth: Zimit held the exit code all along. Faced with despair and futility, the survivors find themselves trapped in hopelessness, leading to tragic outcomes.

As the survivors regroup, they confront the facts that their choices were based on flawed information. The roles they accepted through their cards reveal hidden truths that threaten their dynamics and decisions going forward.

With unease settling in, Zimit insists on procreation within the bunker, stirring mixed reactions among the group. While some couples embrace the challenge, it raises discomfort for others, specifically for James regarding Petra's forced pairing with Zimit.

As time passes without any pregnancies, tensions in the bunker reach a boiling point. Zimit's growing frustration leads him to propose shifting partnerships, a demand vehemently rejected by Bonnie, a soldier with an exceptional memory.

In a moment of desperation, Zimit draws a gun, prompting intervention from Jack. In the ensuing chaos, Zimit forcibly opens the bunker doors, resulting in catastrophic consequences for the entire group caught in the turmoil.

Post-chaos, James reflects deeply on Zimit's motives for conducting this twisted experiment. Upon further scrutinizing the cards, he discovers that his fate may have been predetermined all along, intensifying his distrust in Zimit's intentions.

Unfazed by the chaos, Petra takes charge and initiates a third iteration of the experiment. This time, she selects participants viewed as risky, much to Zimit's dismay as unorthodox members like an opera singer and a poet join the fray.

In a courageous act, Chips takes Petra's place just as the bunker doors are sealing, effectively pushing Zimit out. Meanwhile, Bonnie recalls the exit code crucial for countering Zimit's plans, leading to their eventual escape.

Upon emerging from the bunker, the survivors are stunned to discover that the feared atomic bombs never fell. While Zimit warns of their doom due to a lack of skills, Petra argues that their experiences in the bunker fostered creativity and joy.

Faced with the remnants of their experiences, Zimit engages in a tense conversation with Petra. As she challenges his motives and reveals the futility of his calculations, their exchange culminates in a haunting gunshot, setting the stage for countless hypothetical outcomes of their journey.