Aftersun

Aftersun concludes with a deeply poignant reflection on the life and struggles of Calum, the father. Throughout the film, we see glimpses of his internal pain—his feelings of inadequacy, financial struggles, and the emotional scars from his own troubled childhood. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the calm and caring exterior he presents to Sophie masks a fragile, broken man grappling with depression and unresolved issues. The climactic moment comes after Sophie departs from their trip, and Calum, seemingly overwhelmed by his despair, walks into the sea to drown his sorrows. This act signifies his final surrender to his internal suffering, a tragic end to a life marked by loneliness and unaddressed pain.

The imagery of the dark rave room, where Sophie observes her father dancing from afar, symbolizes the darkness that eventually took over him. It’s as if the vibrant, carefree moment at the end of their trip is juxtaposed with the haunting shadows of his mental health struggles, which he was unable to escape. The last scene, which shows Calum walking into that darkened room, underscores how his inner turmoil consumed him, leaving behind the beloved memories Sophie cherishes.

As an adult, Sophie gains a deeper understanding of her father’s hidden life. She recognizes that her father’s happiness was often an act, a way to protect her from his pain. Her reflection reveals how both were figuring out life—their own fears, hopes, and failures—each shaping their relationship in subtle, profound ways. In the end, Sophie’s hope is that her father, despite his suffering, found some joy or peace in his final moments, symbolized by her imagining him dancing happily in the darkness. The film leaves a lingering sense of loss and the enduring impact of unseen struggles, reminding us that many of our loved ones carry silent burdens that only become apparent with time and reflection.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57