The stunning debut from Scottish writer-director Charlotte Wells, Aftersun juxtaposes a hopeful coming-of-age story with a poignant, intimate family portrait that leaves an indelible impression. At a fading vacation resort in the late 1990s, 11-year-old Sophie (Frankie Corio) treasures rare time together with her loving and idealistic father, Calum (BAFTA winner Paul Mescal, Normal People). As a world of adolescence creeps into view, beyond her eye Calum struggles under the weight of life outside of fatherhood. Twenty years later, Sophie’s tender recollections of their last holiday become a powerful and heartrending portrait of their relationship, as she tries to reconcile the father, she knew with the man she didn’t, in Charlotte Wells’ superb and searingly emotional debut film. Winner of the French Touch Jury Prize at the Cannes 2022 Critics’ Week and the Grand Prize at the Deauville American Film Festival.
H**!
Close to Perfect.
As one critic put it - this work may redefine what it's possible to achieve in film.The diametric opposite of the expository spoon fed banality of your standard Hollywood 'blockbuster' at a fraction of the cost; as well as all the worthy wordy Oscar bait message laden efforts we've seen of late.From Charlotte Wells obsessive attention to detail in direction & writing to the edit, sound track, production design, lighting and sound design and music - creating a whole - mesmeric, immersive and deeply moving piece.That would all be enough. But far far more the film is unique in its ability to engage everyone who sees it with a different set of emotions, perspectives - understanding and unique take - based on their own background and upbringing & experience with mental health. Whilst all being overarched by the absolute universality of the father/child and family relationship.EVERYONE is someone's father or someone's child.The best film of 2022 bar none.One very minor quibble is that the Blu-Ray's DTS 5.1 and Dolby rendering is a little bit hit and miss - but I guess the budget didn't really stretch to better job and I'm sure the cinema, streaming and future TV screening will all be fine in that regard and it all adds to the charm and won't impact your enjoyment at all.All that being said it's a film you will come back to again and again, and the Oliver Coates theme / Under Pressure vocal mash up overlayed on the film's climax is worth the price of admission on its own.Truly amazing.
A**N
Beautiful, haunting and bittersweet.
Beautiful, haunting and bittersweet.This film is excellent, a lot of films will show or tell a story, this one captures it. The acting is phenomenal by both Paul Mescal & Frankie Corio. You'd never know it was her first film, I was blown away. The soundtrack is likewise 10/10 and helps capture the setting well. The whole film feels like a memory due to it's excellent acting, pacing, sound and cinematography.This is a must see if you want something that will make you think a little and feel a lot more.The dvd features some nice cardboard screenshots when bought new also and the extra features are interesting if you enjoy the film.
F**G
A great movie to have at hand
The movie was great in cinema and now great at home
Y**N
Modern Classic
'Aftersun' is a great first movie. Great script, great directing, great craftsmanship. The movie deserves every award it gets. I hope Mubi continues to offer such Blu-ray movies. Thank you to Amzon for delivering this product from UK to Istanbul in 3 days.
R**H
Simple but heartbreaking
A simple but heartbreaking story, where the holiday sun hides the characters' inner cracks. The film's pace is slow and can be disconcerting at first, but it reproduces the languor of a vacation that seems long at first and then flies by as you near the end.The reproduced photos contained in this edition are nice to have too
E**S
A great film with and excelent interpretation by Paul Mescal
I'm in love with this film. The story of a father and daughter on holidays withh so many issues on their lives.
I**A
Best edition of the movie
Cheaper and with more extras than the A24 edition.
C**N
Persistence of Memory
On the surface, a grown adult daughter relives a holiday with her father and we are given glimpses and half-remembered recollections and memories of the special bond the two shared, perhaps then for the final time.I have just watched Aftersun for a second time and was quite moved after the first viewing left me more curious than involved. It's a film which seems to ask more questions than supplying concrete answers. After a live Q and A session with the director, Charlotte Wells and young star, Frankie Corio, after the screening, it was still left it up to the individual viewer to interpret and relate to the varied palette of this impressive debut feature.A movie which can stay with you afterwards, an unusual coming of age of sorts, where many influences will pass by you. Expressionist cinema and still photography are some of the many influences. It's quite an ethereal impression you are left with. With some cinema you are meant to show, not tell, but Aftersun does neither implicitly and makes you work at interpreting.I am left, some hours later, quite affected by the film and possible outcomes for the father and daughter. Definitely one to think about and relate to and I look forward to more from the super director and two talented stars.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
1 week ago