Aftersun (2022)

Aftersun

• I’m not really sure what to think right now. I know what I’m thinking, but it’s difficult to put into words. This film has left me with such a conflicting feeling, and I’m not entirely sure what that feeling is. It’s pain, nostalgia, sadness, envy…..so much rolled into one. It’s not a feeling I feel often from a film. Just hollow. Anyways, it’s a film that sticks with you. It discusses depression and hiding your feelings from the standpoint of a father daughter relationship. The story is simple and depicts life in its rawest form. It reminds me a lot of ‘The Florida Project’ in terms of simplicity and layout. You just follow certain characters and see how they react and live with each other. Behind the seemingly normal relationship, there’s internal struggles that don’t present themselves to the public. That’s the effect you see by the end. How trying to cope with painful emotions for the sake of others is a detrimental decision. In this case, it was a very brave thing for Calum to do, but the message gets through. The performances by Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio are stunning and pure. Paul’s Academy Award nomination was well deserved. He certainly stirred up emotions. And Frankie completes the other end, making one of the best on screen duos ever. The soundtrack was fantastic, the visuals were eye popping, and it only goes to show that A24 is literally the best. My heart is still hurting, so I’m gonna leave you with this: seek help if you need it. I’d recommend this to everyone to see at least once. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!