Aftersun (2022)

I will go against the tide with AFTERSUN and say I don’t think it’s a great movie. Written and directed by Sophie Wells, AFTERSUN tells the story of Sophie (Frankie Corio) reflecting on a summer holiday with her father (Calum, played by Paul Mescal) 20 years before. She reflects on a few key moments from the holiday while trying to reconcile the difference between her father when she was 12 years old and the father she has come to know since.

The story is told partially through flashbacks and is primarily set in summertime, which gives the film a dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere. The cinematography captures the beauty of Turkey’s landscapes with its sun-drenched beaches and vibrant colours. It’s easy to feel immersed in Sophie’s world as she reflects on her father, who was suffering from deep depression, which she was unaware of.

Unfortunately, AFTERSUN fails to deliver a compelling story. The film’s slow pace and lack of character development make it hard to connect with the characters. We don’t get much insight into Sophie’s life before or after her father, making it difficult to feel emotionally invested in their relationship.

The dialogue is often stilted and awkward, which I attribute to Wells’s inexperience as a writer-director. She also relies too heavily on flashbacks which become tedious after a while due to the lack of depth in the characters.

AFTERSUN also suffers from a lack of narrative drive. There are no real stakes or tension in the story, which is essential for any drama to be successful. The film meanders through Sophie’s memories without really going anywhere and eventually ends with an abrupt and unsatisfying resolution.

The performances from Corio and Mescal are adequate but don’t quite make up for the shortcomings in the script. Corio can capture Sophie’s innocence and confusion as she reflects on her father’s past. Mescal can also bring a sense of sadness and regret to the role, which helps make the relationship between Sophie and her father more believable.

Overall, AFTERSUN falls short of being a compelling drama. It lacks narrative drive and character development and fails to tug at our heartstrings meaningfully. While it may have its moments of beauty, it doesn’t quite make up for the lacklustre storytelling or overall experience.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.)