Aftersun is one of the best film debuts by an English director in recent years, writes Manvir Basi…
Director: Charlotte Wells
Starring: Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio
Running time: 96 minutes
This is a rare occasion when hype meets reality. Charlotte Wells, in her debut film, has crafted what is quite simply a mesmerising and immersive film, that left this viewer slightly dazed and speechless.
The film follows Calum (Paul Mescal) and his then 11-year daughter, Sophie (Frankie Corio) who take a summer vacation together in Turkey, while an older Sophie reflects on her relationship with her father.
Yet, like the pixelated and jagged camerawork of the Panasonic camcorder that Sophie uses to record herself, the film seamlessly weaves in and out of the past and present tense.
Mescal and Corio’s on-screen chemistry creates an authenticity to their relationship and serves as the emotional core of the film. Corio shines as a young adolescent on the verge of adulthood, glimpsing in that strange and crazy world of being a teenager.
Meanwhile, Mescal gives a soulful and tortured performance as Calum, Sophie’s father, and a performance that demands to be in the awards conversation for sure.
Aftersun delivers not a sun-kissed glow, but rather a gut-wrenching blow
While any first-time director would be forgiven for bending to popular taste, Wells takes the opposite direction. Treating the viewer with intelligence, Aftersun patiently takes its time in building up the story, in the manner of an experienced director, let alone a first-time one.
This approach pays off dividends, as Aftersun delivers not a sun-kissed glow but rather a gut-wrenching blow that will leave you thinking about this film long after the credits roll.
It was no surprise to read in the end credits that the film was produced by Barry Jenkins, who directed Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, with Wells’ directorial style drawing comparisons with Jenkins’ style.
Aftersun is the one of the most talked about films of this year, generating a buzz at Cannes and numerous other festivals this year. If there is any justice, it will be a winner of awards in the coming months – so go and see it on the biggest screen you can.
Aftersun is in cinemas now
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