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With stunning performances from Paul Mescal and newcomer Frankie Corio, Aftersun delivers pure sunshine…
First things first. is an ode to parents just trying to do their best. So, if you are a) already a parent, or b) grew up tells the story of Calum (Paul Mescal, brilliant as always), his daughter Sophie (Frankie Corio) and their low-key 90s package holiday to Turkey in the wake of Calum’s separation from Sophie’s mum. Complete with half-built resorts, bungled room bookings and chipper travel reps, Wells sets the scene by pitching us headfirst into the decade’s nostalgia, even down to the pop soundtrack and grainy home video clips father and daughter capture on their Sony handy-cam. Slowly, but surely, as the movie moves through dappled light backdrops and poolside din, allows its audience more and more insight into the characters, their foibles and the deep bond they share. From Calum’s interest in tai chi to Soph’s command of a pool table, it’s these glorious little snippets that add a layer of subtle realism to a storyline that hums rather than shouts. The child inside us cringes when Calum breaks out some proper ‘dad dancing’ at the resort disco, while Soph’s karaoke rendition of R.E.M.’s (warning: you will bawl) harkens back to the small risks we take as children trying to impress our parents – and how they in turn bookmark themselves in our memories. And this is what deals in so beautifully – the power of memory and how we lock our loved ones within it.
