AFTERSUN

AFTERSUN tells the story of a special father-daughter relationship: Eleven-year-old Sophie (newcomer Frankie Corio) and her father Calum (BAFTA winner Paul Mescal) are on vacation at a Turkish seaside resort in the late 1990s. It’s an almost carefree time: They go swimming, play pool, and enjoy each other’s company. They’re inseparable, bound by a loving, teasing bond like that of siblings. Sophie films every step they take and every outing with her new camcorder. She feels like anything is possible when Calum is around. When she’s on her own, she makes friends and has new experiences. When Calum is with Sophie, he’s the best version of himself. But imperceptibly, melancholy and secrets begin to creep into his behavior. Twenty years later, looking back, those carefree vacation memories take on a new meaning.

Charlotte Wells’ breathtaking and touching feature film debut, *AFTERSUN*—which she both wrote and directed—pairs a hopeful coming-of-age story with a poignant, intimate family portrait that leaves an unforgettable impression. The film celebrated its world premiere this year at the Cannes International Film Festival. Thanks to its freshness and vibrancy, it caused quite a stir and was awarded the French Touch Jury Prize at Cannes Critics’ Week 2022. The talented newcomer Frankie Corio was cast in the role of the spirited Sophie. In every shot, the chemistry between her and Paul Mescal (NORMAL PEOPLE, WOMAN IN THE DARK), who plays the father, is palpable. With unusual angles and, at times, surprising camerawork, cinematographer Greg Oke succeeds in capturing that shimmering summer vacation feeling. The aesthetic, at times almost melancholic images are occasionally accompanied by ’90s music—a cleverly crafted soundtrack that brings the youthful lightheartedness and retrospective melancholy to life through sound as well.