Aftersun

This screening took place on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 7:30 pmYukon Theatre

Scottish writer-director Charlotte Wells’ indelible feature debut brims with warmth and quiet wonder as its protagonist recalls a father and daughter’s journey to a Turkish seaside resort some 20 years after the fact.

The strong resemblance and stronger rapport between Calum (Paul Mescal), 30, and Sophie (Frankie Corio), his 11-year-old daughter, has them frequently mistaken for siblings. Away on a family-of-two vacation at a discount Turkish resort, the pair often conduct themselves like impish kids playing hooky. Prone to manic spells, Calum showers Sophie with affection and whatever else his meagre budget might allow. All of this in a desperate bid to stave off a depressive episode that looms like the Sword of Damocles. As Aftersun builds to its deeply affecting finale, we’re reminded how life’s turning points often arrive without warning.

Content warning:

coarse language, nudity