Watch Aftersun

Aftersun is a delicate and emotionally resonant film that explores the nuances of memory, the complexities of parent-child relationships, and the bittersweet nature of growth and change. This 2022 movie marks the striking directorial debut of Charlotte Wells, who crafts a narrative that straddles the line between the past and present, creating a cinematic tapestry that resonates with authenticity and tender observation.

The film stars Paul Mescal, known for his breakout role in the television series "Normal People," as Calum, a young father grappling with the elusive complexities of adulthood and the responsibilities that come with being a parent. Frankie Corio makes a remarkable screen debut as Sophie, Calum's eleven-year-old daughter, whose perspective serves as the film's emotional fulcrum. Celia Rowlson-Hall plays an adult version of Sophie, whose reflections and subtle interjections into the narrative provide viewers with a profound sense of temporality and introspection.

Aftersun begins with the premise of a simple and sunny vacation; Calum and Sophie travel to a modest Turkish resort to spend quality time together. The setting is imbued with the warm, nostalgic haze of the late 90s, captured through sun-drenched cinematography that evokes the sensation of a memory being revisited rather than a moment being experienced live. Through a series of vignettes that feel as ephemeral as they are significant, the film invites the audience to piece together the puzzle of their relationship and the unspoken undercurrents that flow between father and daughter.

Throughout the story, Wells employs a nuanced directorial approach that allows the actors' performances to shine. Paul Mescal's portrayal of Calum is a masterclass in subtle emotion, playing a father whose love for his daughter is unconditional, but whose internal struggles obscure the fullness of his presence. He is tender yet distant, creating an enigmatic character whose inner world remains largely inaccessible to both Sophie and the audience. This fosters a palpable sense of intrigue and yearning that permeates the film.

Frankie Corio provides the youthful and innocent counterpoint to Mescal's more restrained performance, displaying an impressive range and depth for a young actor. Sophie is at once perceptive and naïve, full of curiosity about the adult world and yet anchored in the simplicity of childhood. Her interactions with her father are heartwarmingly genuine, characterized by a playful and loving dynamic that reveals as much through what is said as through what is left unsaid.

Celia Rowlson-Hall's role as the adult Sophie is more enigmatic, appearing primarily in cryptically edited interludes that disrupt the narrative's linear flow. Her performance offers glimpses into the future, where hints of reflection and a sense of longing suggest a woman still coming to terms with her past and with the complex figure of her father.

One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to convey so much emotion and narrative texture without relying on overt explanations or dramatic plot twists. Instead, it captures life's small yet defining moments: the shared laughter at a silly dance move, the tension of misunderstood words, the fleeting expressions of concern, and the unencumbered joy of a summer holiday—all components that accumulate into a rich mosaic of human experience.

The film also handles the theme of escapism with grace and subtlety. Through Calum's interactions with other adults at the resort and his more introspective moments, we come to understand the struggles he faces—struggles that he strives to keep separate from his cherished time with Sophie. This duality adds layers to the narrative, inviting the audience to consider the costs and consequences of escaping from reality, even if temporarily.

Aftersun further stands out for its treatment of time and memory. Wells adeptly captures the fluid nature of recollection, creating a dialogue between the past and present that feels both seamless and fragmented. The film invites the audience to reflect upon their memories, the way those memories might be altered by time, and the enduring impact of relationships that shape who we become.

The emotional weight of Aftersun is carried through to its conclusion, which, without revealing any specifics, leaves a lasting impression. It's a contemplative and poignant effort that lingers in the mind long after viewing—one characterized by its humanity, its artful restraint, and its profound understanding of the fragile yet enduring bonds that connect us. With Aftersun, Wells has crafted an introspective and resonant piece of cinema that speaks to the quiet moments that define us, the impermanence of experience, and the everlasting echo of love and kinship.

Aftersun is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 95.