Movie Number 14 of 2023
The Movie: Aftersun
The Cinema: Village Cinemas, The Rivoli, Camberwell
Stars: 4
Continuing with the Oscar nominated film viewings, Aftersun was the last on the list to be seen before tonight's Oscar's ceremony. Paul Mescal, known best of all for the series of Normal People, stars in this independent film, ostensibly about a father and daughter on holidays in the 90s. Mescal has been nominated for Best Actor. Is the nomination deserved? Yes. Will he win? No.
It's not like anything I've seen in a while. It's wonderful.
Aftersun is not your typical, linear movie. It is beautifully shot. There are sequences which come out of order, taking you from the modern day to the holiday on which Calum (Mescal) and his daughter, Sophie (Frankie Corio) take in the mid-nineties at cheap looking Turkish resort. From what is portrayed, Calum and his ex have a civil relationship. Calum appears to be a bit of a battler. You don't find out much about him, Sophie is eleven. At the stage where you still idolise your father, but things are starting to change, and this will never happen again. Calum and Sophie hang out at the resort. Sophie begins to meet new people, while Calum sticks to himself. Intermittently, there are flashes to a nightclub scene, and Sophie and her partner in the future.
Most of the movie you're wondering what they hell is about to happen. And really, nothing much does. But as the film's credits roll, you know that you've become completely enfolded in these people's lives.
Frankie Corio is outstanding as Sophie, the tween who's both a kid, and in part, her father's carer. Expect big things from her. She is perfect in this role.
And Paul Mescal deserves his Oscar nod as the barely coping Calum. Nothing is said during the film about this, he portrays a man barely hanging on with a grace and truth rarely witnessed. Everything he does is so understated. This is a masterclass in portraying depression realistically. He's fantastic.
I've mentioned the cinematography, where the Turkish resort if Fethiye in the southwest of the country, a resort frequented by British holiday makers trying to find some sun. Everything about the place is relatable. You can smell the chips, beer and sunscreen.
The direction is also flawless. Charlotte Wells, who also wrote the script, as done amazing things with her debut film. She too will be one to watch.
The soundtrack is also brilliant, filled with 90's bangers which had me smiling and feeling terribly nostalgic at the same time. On the soundtrack was one of my favourite 90's songs. See below.
This is not going to be everybody's cup of tea. It's not a film everybody will enjoy. But the more I think about it, the more I loved it. As father and daughter films go, this is up there with the best.
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