The Postman

In a world devastated by a series of catastrophic events, “What’s After the Movie” explores a story that goes beyond mere action and survival, highlighting the importance of civilization and hope. At its core, the narrative revolves around Gordon Krantz, played by Aleksey Rozin, a character who embodies resilience amid chaos. Originally a drama student from the University of Minnesota, Gordon’s journey begins when he loses nearly everything to bandits and finds temporary refuge in a long-abandoned postal van. Finding a pile of old mail and a postal uniform, he adopts the role of a makeshift postman not out of deception but out of a desire to survive and give his new community a sense of order and connection.

His travels take him through various small settlements, where he quickly learns that people hungering for a semblance of normalcy are willing to accept his claims of representing the “Restored United States.” His acts of performing scenes from William Shakespeare serve not only to entertain but to evoke a sense of cultural continuity in a broken world. The postman becomes a symbol of hope, reminding everyone that even in the darkest times, symbols of civilization can be kept alive through small acts of kindness and perseverance.

As the story unfolds, Gordon encounters Corvallis, Oregon, a community led by Cyclops, an entity believed to be an artificial intelligence created at Oregon State University. The community’s leaders maintain the illusion that Cyclops is still operational, offering advice and predictions, which they use to solicit food and resources—a strategy reminiscent of the ancient Greek Oracle at Delphi. However, the truth is that Cyclops ceased functioning after being damaged by a mob of Luddites, and the community’s leadership keeps the myth alive to preserve hope and order.

The story takes a darker turn as Gordon becomes involved in a conflict against Holnists, followers of the violent and misogynistic Nathan Holn. These hypersurvivalists, emerging from the Rogue River region, have been a persistent threat, attacking towns and preventing the fragile recovery of civilization. The Holnists’ reign of terror helped ensure that chaos persisted long after the initial upheaval, which was initially blamed on EMPs, bioweapons, and natural disasters but ultimately traced back to the ruthless attacks of the Holnists, who preyed on humanitarian efforts.

As the narrative approaches its climax, Gordon allies himself with a fierce tribal group from the Umpqua Valley, composed of descendants of ranchers, loggers, and Native Americans, led by a former military member who is a Native American. This group, with their warrior culture reminiscent of the Old West, has consistently defeated the Holnists but had historically been reluctant to assist the townsfolk of the Willamette Valley. Their collaboration signifies a turning point in the struggle to restore order.

The story also reveals that there are other organized enemies, symbolized by a Bear Flag, which hints at a larger coalition of groups working against chaos and in favor of rebuilding civilization. The ending suggests that these different symbols and factions might unite to rekindle hope and community, hinting at a possible future where unity and resilience could once again rebuild a shattered society.

“What’s After the Movie” ultimately conveys a powerful message: that humanity’s hope for rebuilding lies not just in survival but in the symbols, stories, and cultural touchstones that define civilization. The backstory emphasizes that the downfall of the world was not solely due to natural or technological disasters, but also because of selfish, destructive forces like the Holnists. Through perseverance and unity among diverse groups, there remains a glimmer of hope for a new beginning from the ashes of the old world.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:14