Aftersun—a poignant exploration of memory, depression, and the intricate weave between past and present—has finally arrived on Netflix. Garnering widespread acclaim as one of the standout films of 2022, this evocative A24 feature from writer-director Charlotte Wells penetrates deeply into the core of a father-daughter relationship marked by unspoken sorrow and unacknowledged pain.
An In-depth Look at Paul’s Role
Paul Mescal recently starred in Aftersun, portraying Calum, a troubled father who takes his pre-teen daughter on vacation to Turkey. His rising star power, bolstered by a recent Oscar nomination, shines brightly in this role. Adult Sophie (Rowlson-Hall) reflects back on the holiday she shared with her father Calum (Mescal) when she was an 11 year old (Corio).
Sophie’s Reflective Journey
The narrative unfurls through Sophie’s (Celia Rowlson-Hall as an adult; Frankie Corio as a child) memories of a summer vacation with her father. Revisiting video footage from the trip, adult Sophie now recognizes her father’s hidden battle with depression, a struggle she was unaware of as a child.
A Masterful Debut
Charlotte Wells showcases a brilliant directorial debut, balancing the love between father and daughter with the unspoken emotional chasm that divides them. Wells referred to the film as emotionally autobiographical
, capturing the dynamic of someone who suffers in silence and those around them unable to fully grasp their pain.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
The film’s visual narrative is equally compelling. The Turkish landscapes serve as a fitting backdrop to the mental journeys of the characters. With motifs like distant hang gliders and the foreboding sea reflecting their isolation and yearning for connection, Wells crafts an ethereal atmosphere that resonates profoundly with viewers.
The Elusiveness of Memory
Central to Aftersun is the theme of memory. Sophie’s reflections on her vacation with Calum are pieced together through photographs and video footage. The film poignantly illustrates how memories are both comforting and limited—mere representations of reality that often fail to convey deeper emotions.
A Heart-Wrenching Climax
The film’s climax intertwines reality and imagination, juxtaposing moments of young Sophie dancing joyfully with her father against an older Sophie searching for him in a surreal setting. This sequence uses Queen and David Bowie’s Under Pressure to underscore the chasm between what Sophie remembers and what she yearns to understand.
A Film That Resonates
Now streaming on Netflix, Aftersun is essential viewing for anyone grappling with their past or mental health struggles. Its powerful performances—particularly by Paul Mescal, who earned an Academy Award nomination—and Wells’ assured direction make it an unforgettable experience.
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