A One Mann’s Movies review of “Aftersun” (2022).
A big one to knock off my pre-BAFTA watch-list, “Aftersun” is up for 4 BAFTAs – “Best British Film”, “Outstanding Debut…”, “Lead Actor” (for Paul Mescal) and for casting (Lucy Pardee). Paul Mescal is also – surprisingly, for such a small British picture – nominated for the Best Actor Oscar.
Bob the Movie Man Rating(s):
Plot Summary:
Estranged dad Calum (Paul Mescal) is taking his daughter Sophie (Frankie Corio) on a one-on-one holiday to a Turkish beach resort. He is keen to be a guiding father-figure in her life, as she approaches puberty and is curious about sex. But although calm and affable on the surface, there are clearly cracks appearing in Calum’s life.
Certification:
UK: 12; US: R. (From the BBFC: “Infrequent strong language, moderate sex references, upsetting scenes”.) I’m always curious about situations where there is a strong discrepancy between UK certifications and US certifications. Yes, there are sex references in here (including an obscure one about a hand-job), but an “R” certification in the States… really?
Talent:
Starring: Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio, Celia Rowlson-Hall.
Directed by: Charlotte Wells.
Written by: Charlotte Wells.
Twitter Handle: #aftersunmovie.
Tai Chi in the Turkish sun – Calum and Sophie have some fun. (Source: MUBI)
“Aftersun” Review:
Positives:
- This is clearly going to be a very “marmite” movie. Lovers of Michael Bay movies will probably hate this one…. they will justly complain “BUT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS!!!”. And they would be right! The film quietly (VERY quietly) unpicks the relationship between Calum and his daughter; Sophie’s sexual awakening; and the deteriorating mental state of Calum. And it does it with such nuance that I found it a joy to watch. I have no idea how you would start to write a screenplay like this! There is so little dialogue in it (and much of it feels improvised).
- Paul Mescal delivers a fabulous performance and has been justly recognised for it. Will it win either the Oscar or the BAFTA? No, I don’t think so this time, but he has nailed his future status as one of the greats well and truly to the mast.
- Although all the attention has focused on Mescal, I think the 13-year old Frankie Corio should get recognised for delivering a superbly confident and natural performance as Sophie in her feature film debut. A name to remember.
- There are some stunning non-linear twists in the narrative that really keep you on your toes. (This is not helped by some jump-cuts to 20 years in the future!) There was one point where I thought we saw something happen, but then jumped back to scenes from the start of the holiday. But no, the writer/director Charlotte Wells had deftly wrong-footed me!
- There’s a very well chosen soundtrack by Oliver Coates, with some very interesting song combinations.
Negatives:
- As above, this is a “marmite” movie, and many will find the languorous pace frustrating and confusing.
- I found the sound design a bit muffled. Some of the dialogue I just couldn’t pick up.
Summary Thoughts on “Aftersun”:
This is writer/director Charlotte Well’s feature debut and I reckon she will be favourite to pick up the “Debut” BAFTA next Sunday at the awards. This was Mark Kermode’s favourite film of 2022, and I can see why: it is very “Kermodian”!
I honestly didn’t LOVE it that much, but it was 100% more intriguing than I expected it to be and can fully appreciate the artistry. But this one certainly won’t be for everyone.
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Trailer for “Aftersun”:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXKcWRu8K_U .
