How much can you ever truly know your parent? This is the central question in Charlotte Well’s magnificent directorial debut film Aftersun, which focuses on a girl’s relationship with her young father.
The film plays like a mashup of home video recordings, a kaleidoscope of memories, moments, glances, minuscule heartbreaks and the world of emotions that lay under the surface. The images are striking in both their structure and deeper meaning. Wells takes her time in fully absorbing you in the central relationship and slowly tugging on your heartstrings.
The result is a profound and poetic experience that feels joyful and heart-breaking. It unites the audience in a sense of something universally human. This isn’t a fast-paced film. It’s not plot-heavy or action packed, but patient and lovely and just creeps up on you in the best way.
The two lead performances are sensational, and their chemistry is so natural and smooth – you truly believe this a real-life father and daughter. Family is always complex, and this film honours the complexity of family with a beautiful piece of art that offers more each viewing.
Chris is the mastermind of the Film and Food Podcast, which you can follow on socials here: @filmandfoodpodcast
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