Aftersun

⭐ 10.0/10

(Originally written by Joseph)

I should preface this by mentioning that it's been a couple of weird days for me. There's been sad things going on at work and at home, and we've also not seen the sun in a few weeks. With that said, this movie made me feel things I swear I have never felt in my entire life. It's hard to put into words. I have been generally weepy since midway through this movie till now, nearly 24 hours later. This combination of melancholy and sadness and hope and longing and joy. This movie somehow tapped into something that has been dormant in me and I feel like I need to rethink everything that's ever happened in my life.

So this is a very artsy movie about a young girl who went on a vacation with her dad in the late 90s. That's it. There's really nothing more to it. I'm not a dad and I've never been a daughter, yet I've never felt more spiritually connected to two characters before. I know the Oscars don't work this way, but I legitimately think Frankie Corio, who plays the little girl Sophie, ought to be in the running for best actress. From the moment this movie starts I instantly fell in love with her character. So totally convincing as this curious and developing eleven-year-old. There is one scene that had me in absolute shambles and I'm weeping again now thinking back, and it's all through the power of her subtle yet stunning performance.

Paul Mescal, the dad, is indeed in the running for best actor. A brilliant portrayal of a guy who wants to be a good dad but has things he is dealing with and isn't always emotionally available. Between these two, I have never wanted to jump in the screen and give some hugs.

Then there is just the general craft of this movie. This is the debut film for director Charlotte Wells, so keep an eye out for her. This is very much a "directed" film if that makes any sense. You are very aware throughout that this is a contemplative reflection rather than a piece of entertainment. These very artful stills, very slow running shots, and several minutes of scenes without any dialogue. The angles are often thoughtful and unique, there are a few interesting storytelling methods, and then this haunting music sends your mind into orbit.

This movie ended and the credits rolled for a few minutes before Jess or I said a word or even moved. I wondered then if this was one of the best movies I've ever seen. It's been a day, but I have not stopped thinking about it. I really think it is a all-timer for me. It's in that Linklater school of film where the everyday and mundane bring out memories you'd thought you'd buried down deep.

I have a feeling that some will watch this and simply not be affected by it in the same way. For the record, Jess never felt quite as strongly as I did (what can I say, she's just not in touch with her emotions like me). But I still wholly recommend this movie with the caveat that you may need to prepare to be drained after. It's simply a very emotional 2 hours, and perhaps 24 hours if you connect with it in the way I did.