‘Aftersun’ is a 2022 coming-of-age drama directed by Charlotte Wells, who made her directorial debut with the film. Among other emotionally moving films, ‘Aftersun’ stands out for several reasons, which we will explore today. After that, you’ll see why we think this film deserves a spot on your watchlist.
What’s ‘Aftersun’ About?
‘Aftersun‘ centers around a young Scottish girl, Sophie, and her 30-year-old father, Calum, portrayed by Paul Mescal. Set against the backdrop of a Turkish resort, the film explores their relationship during a summer holiday. Narrative unfolds through the eyes of Sophie, as she grapples with the memories of her father and their shared experiences.
The film’s release was met with critical acclaim, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2022. Following the release, Wells received a nomination for the Golden Camera and won Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer at the 76th BAFTA Awards.
Moreover, ‘Aftersun’ has been highlighted as one of the best films of 2022 by the National Board of Review and topped the poll by Sight and Sound. On review aggregation websites, ‘Aftersun’ stands out with a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 95 out of 100 on Metacritic.
Why Is The Film Worth Watching?
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of complex emotions. The performances of the cast are worth praise, especially Mescal’s portrayal of Calum. He depicts a father struggling with personal demons while trying to maintain a facade of normalcy for his daughter. This performance earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the 95th Academy Awards.
The film’s visual style not only aids in the storytelling but also enhances the emotional depth. Some critics compared Wells’ work to Margaret Tait’s, particularly her film ‘Blue Black Permanent,’ for her approach to visual storytelling.
What sets ‘Aftersun’ apart is its way of evoking a profound emotional response. The film’s raw depiction of depression and the nuanced father-daughter relationship moves us to tears, especially during scenes such as Sophie’s efforts to celebrate her father’s birthday and the final airport goodbye.
These moments, along with the ‘Under Pressure’ dance sequence, have an emotional weight.
Where Can I Watch ‘Aftersun’?
As of now, you can watch ‘Aftersun’ on Apple TV+, Hulu, MUBI, and Amazon Prime.
You can also watch the dance scene below, but we advise you to watch the film in its entirety, as it will be worth your time.
