Paul Mescal and newcomer Frankie Corio star in Charlotte Wells’ triumphant feature debut “Aftersun.” The film brings an intimate portrayal of a father’s relationship with his daughter to the screen, whilst also capturing a holiday experience that British viewers will be all too familiar with. Wells draw on her own experiences for the film, with her own feelings and memories blending with fiction to create gut-wrenching emotion and a poignant story.
The film, set in the late 1990s, follows 11-year-old Sophie (Frankie Corio) and her father Calum (Paul Mescal) as they vacation together in Turkey. Sophie views the world differently to her father, being on the cusp of adolescence, with her biggest worry being going back to school and doing her homework. However, Calum sees the world under the weight of his declining mental health and responsibilities of being a father.
Paul Mescal is Spectacular; Newcomer Frankie Corio is Brilliant
Years later, Sophie is now an adult herself, and reminisces on the vacation she took with her father through both real and imagined memories, as well as rewatching DVR footage of their time abroad. With Calum seemingly no longer involved in Sophie’s life, she reflects on the relationship she had with her father, seeing him in a new light with the knowledge and intelligence she now has as an adult.
Paul Mescal delivers a spectacular performance as Calum. The Irish actor performs with evocation and emotion, crafting a performance that is easily one of 2022’s best and worthy of an Oscar nomination. Mescal and his 12-year-old co-star Frankie Corio brilliantly bounce off each other’s performances, creating an on-screen bond that feels incredibly real and intimate. They radiate youth and authenticity, with both performers working together to balance the powerful emotion with enjoyable humour. Corio, who makes her acting debut in the film, holds her own against her BAFTA-winning co-star, delivering an outstanding performance that effortlessly draws you into every scene.
Frankie Corio and Paul Mescal in “Aftersun.” (Photo: BBC Film).
Cinematographer George Oke, known for his work on short films like “Alice” and “In a Room Below,” works with Wells to craft delectable visuals for the film. Oke’s work skillfully explores the film’s themes, observing them through a warm-toned colour palette. As well as directing, Wells pens the screenplay for the film, producing a well-paced and empathetic script that beautifully elevates both the film itself, as well as the performances.
A Sensational Directorial Debut
“Aftersun” covers a myriad of themes during its 102-minute run-time, from childhood and parenthood to memory and mental health, while also depicting a difficult relationship between a father and his daughter. The result of the film’s sprawling themes coming together in harmony is a powerful drama that feels incredibly simple, while also being deeply complex, and packing an emotional punch for viewers.
“Aftersun” is a sensational directorial debut from Charlotte Wells. Lead by knockout performances from Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio, the film is a profound drama that paints an intimate portrait of a father/daughter relationship that tugs on your heartstrings. The film is accompanied by a wonderful score by Oliver Coates (“Significant Other”), that is full of melodic tones that work in harmony with each other. “Aftersun” forces its audiences to deal with feelings of love and loss, as well as a plethora of themes that will warm your heart and leave you teary-eyed by the time the credits roll. This is a film that quickly earns it spot among the year’s best, from the performances to the technical aspects, everything works hand in hand to create a stellar film.
“Aftersun” is currently available to stream on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, Microsoft, Redbox, and Direct TV for $19.99.
