Aftersun: 2022, Dir. Charlotte Wells.
It is safe to say that after I saw this film for the first time it immediately became one of my favourite films of all time. The film beautifully shows a summer holiday taken by a father and daughter. This film is beautifully written and directed and while the plot is very gentle and non-dramatic its draws you right into their world. You can almost feel the warmth of the sun on your back, you truly feel a part of this father daughter relationship and part of their holiday. As the trip progresses we are allowed more and more glimpses into the life and mind of the father (Paul Mescal) and we begin to discover that there is a darkness in his mind and a sadness he is trying to overcome for his daughter. His daughter Sophie (Frankie Corio) loves her father more than anything and he too, which makes his internal battle and heartbreak even harder to process. He clearly wants the best for his daughter and wants to live for her to provide her the best life he can. I wont spoil the ending but this film is beautifully delicate. It doesn't hand everything over on aa plate, it gives you information gently and carefully and allows you to fill in any gaps. It portrays mental illness so honestly and in such a raw way. Paul Mescal once again gives an incredible performance which is matched perfectly by that of Frankie Corio. As a debut film for director and writer Charlotte Wells it is hard to see how she could top this film but I am so excited to see what she will do next. I have not stopped thinking about this film since I saw it and I truly, truly love it.
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