Aftersun

Ten Second Review: Powerful and moving while also finding the time to highlight the joys of a father daughter relationship. 

It’s a rare thing to leave a screening and everyone agree that the thing you watched has very personally triggered everyone individually and yet still all agree that you thought it was great.

The film explores the relationship of Calum (Paul Mescal) and his daughter, Sophie (Frankie Corio) while the pair are on holiday together in Turkey.

I’m not quite sure how to talk about this film without revealing far too much about myself, my familial relationships and the entire plot of the film all at the same time. All I will say is that I was not expecting to be so personally moved by it. That’s in part thanks to the time it’s set in and some very odd coincidences related to setting and backstories, but also down to the excellent work by the two main actors.

There is a humanity and authenticity that they brought to both the relationship and the characters that was beyond moving. It was one of the few things I have seen this year that ceased to feel like acting or a film at all and moved into a space that felt more like documentary. 

The construction of this gentle yet poignant and heart wrenching film, from the shots to the wardrobe to the film stock was just perfect. It’s so rare to want to be punched in the stomach again but my first thought after gathering myself was about who I’d like to show this to.

This isn’t a film that needs a big screen so if you can’t catch it on its limited release don’t let that stop you from making time for it at home.  It’s a phenomenal piece of work from all parties involved.

I have absolutely no notes.