334. Aftersun; movie review

 

AFTERSUN

Cert 12A

102 mins

BBFC advice: Contains infrequent strong language, moderate sex references, upsetting scenes

Taking kids on holidays is always fraught, isn't it?

From when they are young, trying to make friends to when they are older and cannot be entertained.

It is meant to be a break from work but is arguably the most stressful fortnight of the year.

Thus, there are several moments during Aftersun which resonated - even though, we tended to go on holiday in groups and we didn't face the issues of being single parents.

However, despite excellent performances, I was left wondering what Charlotte Wells' picture is trying to say.

It stars the wonderful Frankie Corio as Sophie, an 11-year-old who is on holiday in Turkey with her dad (Paul Mescal).

The latter is so young he is mistaken for her brother and, while he tries to be a brilliant father for the duration of the holiday, he is also combating mental health problems.

Aftersun follows the pair as they enjoy days by the pool, subject themselves to traditional package holiday 'entertainment' and go on day trips.

There are also those awkward decisions of who, among complete strangers, could be likely friends.

Anyone who has used a travel company for a summer holiday has lived these moments which are well-observed.

Wells also captures the inevitable seaside friction and fun between adults and children.

But I can't say I found her film nearly as engaging as the critics who have even touted it for Oscar consideration.

True, Corio is remarkable considering that this is her acting debut but the storyline doesn't have enough substance to create a wow factor.

Reasons to watch: Realistic drama

Reasons to avoid: Too laboured

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 6/10

Did you know? A Pew Research Center study found that in the U.S. nearly a quarter of children under the age of 18 live in a single-parent household, more than any of the 130 other countries and territories they surveyed.

The final word. Charlotte Wells: " “I think for kids, up until a certain point, our parents, and all adults in our lives really – teachers, football coaches – they just seem to perform a certain function in your life. It’s only when you're older that the door creaks ever so slightly open and you start to perceive them as people who have these different interests and have their own path, their own life outside of the role they were to you.” The Skinny

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