Watch Aftersun

Aftersun is a heart-warming British drama from 2006 that follows the story of three lost individuals who find comfort and solace in one another while holidaying in Southern Spain. The movie highlights the stark contrasts between the lives of its main characters and explores the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Peter Capaldi stars as Harry, a retired teacher who is mourning the loss of his wife. He is reserved and gruff, and the pain of his loss has left him feeling disconnected from the world. Sarah Parish plays Liz, his neighbour and friend, who is also dealing with her share of romantic disappointments. Anna Madeley stars as Jennifer, a young woman who seems to have everything going for her but still feels unfulfilled and lost. The three of them end up staying in the same villa in Spain and the movie charts the development of their relationships over the course of the holiday.

At first, the trio keeps to themselves, not particularly interested in getting to know one another. But as the days go by and they find themselves thrown together again and again, cracks start to appear and their barriers begin to break down. Harry, who initially comes across as grumpy and cold, starts to open up about his feelings of loss and loneliness. Liz, who has always tried to mask her own sadness with humour and sarcasm, begins to connect with Harry on a deeper level. Jennifer, who is used to being the picture of perfection, starts to question the direction in which her life is headed.

What follows is a beautiful and moving exploration of human connection and the power of friendship. The movie eschews cliches and gimmicks, choosing instead to focus on the quiet, everyday moments that make up our lives. The characters are flawed, but they are also deeply human, and their struggles feel real and relatable. As we watch them grapple with their own demons and work towards a sense of inner peace, we can't help but root for them and feel invested in their journey.

One of the most striking things about Aftersun is the setting. The sun-drenched Spanish coastline provides the perfect backdrop for the character's inner turmoil. The movie makes the most of its location, with sweeping shots of the glittering sea and long, lazy scenes of the characters lounging in the sun. The cinematography is beautiful and serene, perfectly capturing the calm and introspective tone of the film.

Peter Capaldi, Sarah Parish, and Anna Madeley all deliver standout performances in their roles. Capaldi, who is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who, is fantastic as the grumpy and grieving protagonist. He brings a vulnerability to the role that is both heart-wrenching and relatable. Sarah Parish, who plays the sassy and sarcastic Liz, is equally brilliant. She infuses her character with a sense of wounded pride that makes her journey all the more satisfying. And Anna Madeley, who has since gone on to star in shows like The Crown and Patrick Melrose, is excellent as the conflicted and anxious Jennifer.

Overall, Aftersun is a touching and beautiful movie that shines a light on the power of human connection. It is a quiet, introspective film that eschews flashy set pieces and high drama in favour of subtlety and nuance. The performances are fantastic, the setting is breathtaking, and the themes explored are universal and deeply human. This is a movie for anyone who has ever struggled with loss, loneliness, or the search for meaning in their lives. It is a movie that will leave you feeling both uplifted and introspective, and it is a testament to the fact that sometimes the most beautiful moments in life are the quietest ones.