Photo courtesy of A24
“When you were 11, what did you think you would be doing now?”
This is the question that 11-year-old Sophie asks her father in the opening of “Aftersun,” Charlotte Wells’ devastatingly beautiful depiction of a father-daughter holiday. The pause from Sophie’s father after she poses the question speaks volumes about the story that follows.
The film weaves together memories that Sophie (Frankie Corio) has of the event—relaxing at the resort, playing pool, going on day tours—with camcorder footage of the trip, viewed by Sophie as an adult (Celia Rowlson-Hall).
Sophie doesn’t normally get the chance to hang out with her father Calum (Paul Mescal) in such long stretches of time as this, and he takes full advantage of their time together, trying to fill in the gaps of fatherhood that he’s missed. He wants to teach her things; he wants her to be good at things; he wants to make sure she can protect herself; and he wants her to have fun. Or at least, what he considers to be fun.
The relationship is heartbreaking and complex. It is clear that they are a loving pair, but the desires that Calum has for his daughter are idealistic and nearing perfectionist—a glimpse, perhaps, of what he wanted for himself and was never able to achieve. But while most fathers want the best for their daughters, Calum might be taking it a tad too far. It is clear that his ideals for Sophie are selfish and not remotely based on what she wants herself.
The two characters play a dance that many parent/child pairs know well. And the fact that we are able to see the camcorder footage alongside Sophie’s memory is brilliant, putting the complexity of the relationship on full display. Both Corio and Mescal have a subtle magic to their performance, and “Aftersun” is worth the watch for their onscreen chemistry. Don’t miss this poignant piece, playing at Midtown Cinema in November.
Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.
November Events At Midtown Cinema
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m.
National Theatre Live
“Prima Facie”
Sunday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.
King Fest
“Carrie” (1976)
Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7:19 p.m.
Down in Front! Presents
“Maximum Overdrive”
Friday, Nov. 11 at 9:30 p.m.
National Theatre Live
“Jack Absolute Flies Again”
Sunday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m.
“Twilight” Saga Marathon
Sunday, Nov. 13
King Fest
“Misery” (1990)
Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7:19 p.m.
3rd in the Burg Movie Night Presents
“Weird Science” (1985)
Friday, Nov. 18 at 9:30 p.m.
Double Feature with Greg Sestero
“Miracle Valley” and “The Room”
Sunday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.
National Theatre Live
“Straight Line Crazy”
Sunday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.
King Fest
“Stand By Me” (1986)
Sunday, Nov. 20 at 7:19 p.m.
“The Room”
With Greg Sestero
Monday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
King Fest
“The Shining” (1980)
Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7:19 p.m.
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