11/25/22 - Aftersun (2022) - 7+/10

Through the first 2/3rds I wasn’t that impressed - it being a fine little personal portrait, but seeming nothing extraordinary. But the last third enveloped me, forced my re-examination all of the elegant moments throughout and honestly has provided for one of my most thoughtful experiences after a film of the year. The emotions and quiet depth, both in the story, the actors, and the filmmaking, has lingered in my mind and honestly makes me consider watching it again.

It is filmmaking that sneaks up on you, never being blatant about anything, which at first is just whetting your appetite but builds until you just can’t get enough. The music is on the nose emotionally/dramatically, but not obnoxiously or unskillfully. The actors, especially Paul Mescal, bring a lived in inner intensity and a naturalistic communion, that is only highlighted by some lovely cinematography and juxtapositions. The searing rip of pain between a young girl losing her father and her grown-up counterpart searching for their shared truth through the messy vhs memories is felt while being faint.

A delicately brilliant first film from Charlotte Wells that oozes class and potency.