Aftersun (2022) Explores Themes of Belonging, Aching Loss, and Making Memories

Aftersun is an emotionally stirring feature that dives deep into the human condition, exploring themes of belonging, aching loss, and making memories. Viewers will find themselves immersed in a world of introspective emotion, journeying towards their own personal understanding of these powerful themes.

Charlotte Wells' debut film Aftersun gives a glimpse into the mysterious feeling of being in between understanding and not understanding. Calum, a father in his late twenties, and his 11 year old daughter Sophie, are spending their vacation in Turkey in the 1990s. The hotel staff are dancing to the Macarena, and the other guests are quietly sitting around. The hotel has a swimming pool, a pool table, and a mini arcade with two machines that require coins to play.

The film starts off with Sophie and Calum playing with a camcorder. Sophie is having a good time, whereas Calum is uneasy. This is because Sophie is older than her actual age due to the fact that she has been raised by her mother after her parents split. This holiday with her father is a chance for them to get closer and for her to see that her dad still loves her.

Wells gradually takes us into the lives of Calum and Sophie. As we progress, she reveals more information, such as Calum's inability to provide the items that Sophie wants. Sophie is old enough to understand that Calum does not have the money to pay for something, leading to her expressing her anger at the situation. However, the tension quickly fades and they go back to being close, having fun and enjoying each other's company, something that not many movies about fathers and daughters accomplish.

The film has a sorrowful mood that is heightened, not by fear, but by a sense of something looming. We catch glimpses of a grown-up Sophie, living with her family, looking back at the past, trying to comprehend why Calum was the way he was - not just her dad - and being struck by the realisation.

We don't know the specifics of what his issues are, but we can tell he's struggling. He cries at one point in the story, and it makes us wonder what it is that is causing him so much distress. In order to mature, we must learn to recognize and accept that the parental figures in our lives are not perfect, yet still love us. Aftersun suggests that some people never achieve resolution in their lives, but still manage to be happy regardless.

The performances are great. Frankie Corio impressively portrays the little girl who desires to become a big girl, delving into conversations about teenage hormones and first kisses. Paul Mescal, who gained fame through 'Normal People', is wonderful as a young man who has never had a parental figure in his life but, despite this, tries his very best to be a good father. Mescal handles the role, which is composed of many brief moments, perfectly. My only criticism is that there is not enough time dedicated to the older Sophie; although this was intentional, more time with her would have been welcome. Overall, the performances are remarkable.

Aftersun is an exquisitely crafted film that poignantly captures the powerful connection between a father and daughter. A deeply affecting story told with genuine emotion, this film is sure to leave you with an emotional punch.