Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Nostalgic drama studies depression; smoking, some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Aftersun
What's the Story?
AFTERSUN follows Calum (Paul Mescal) and his daughter Sophie (Frankie Corio) as they take a holiday to Turkey, a trip that will live with the latter forever. Twenty years later, on her birthday, Sophie finds footage causing her to reflect and ponder on the experiences she had that shaped her, for better or for worse.
Is It Any Good?
This profoundly emotional drama is one of the most assured, confident debut productions from a first-time filmmaker you're likely to see. From Aftersun's very opening frame, Charlotte Wells knows exactly the story she is telling, and has complete power over the narrative. With this control, she takes the viewer on a quite staggeringly moving journey. It's a voyage through time and memories, studying how we reflect and remember times past to try and reconcile where we are now, and those we have loved (and lost).
The film delivers emphatically on two counts, as you connect in equal measure to both Calum, a 30-something father and Sophie, a 10-year-old girl. Calum shows the complexities of the human mind and the challenges that come with it. While Sophie's journey is one of nostalgic, hazy childhood memories. Fueling that nostalgia is a superb soundtrack. But what helps illuminate this production are the two central performances. Mescal is as good as he's ever been, and the young Corio is a revelation as Sophie. This isn't just one of the best films of the year, it's one of the best films in years.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how depression is portrayed in Aftersun. Did you find it unusual to see mental health issues in men addressed like this? Why, or why not? What are your own experiences when it comes to mental health?
Discuss the relationship between Calum and Sophie. Did it seem like a healthy father-daughter relationship? Why, or why not?
The movie is about looking back on the past. How do you feel when you look back at certain events from your life?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How did the film depict drinking and smoking? Were they glamorized? Did the characters need to do these things to look cool? What were the consequences?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 21, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : January 23, 2023
- Cast : Paul Mescal , Frankie Corio , Celia Rowlson-Hall
- Director : Charlotte Wells
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Holidays
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some language and brief sexual material
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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