Aftersun

Aftersun

Year: 2022

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Charlotte Wells

Drama

During a vacation at a Turkish coastal resort, eleven-year-old Sophie shares precious time with her charismatic and sometimes enigmatic father, Calum, portrayed by Paul Mescal. As Sophie navigates the cusp of adolescence, Calum’s youthful optimism clashes with the challenges of adulthood. Twenty years later, Sophie reflects on those cherished memories, creating a bittersweet and emotionally resonant portrait of their relationship and the complexities of the man she thought she knew.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Aftersun yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Aftersun (2022)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Aftersun (2022). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1990s

The film is set in the late 1990s, a period characterized by a sense of transition in technology and culture. This era saw the rise of personal video cameras, which played a vital role in capturing memories, as exemplified by Sophie’s MiniDV footage of their holiday.

Location

Turkey, London

The movie primarily takes place in a picturesque Turkish holiday resort, known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant atmosphere, where families often vacation. It contrasts with the bustling city of London, which serves as the backdrop for the father, Calum, who has relocated there after separating from Sophie’s mother.

🇹🇷 Turkey 🇬🇧 London

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 12:18

Main Characters – Aftersun (2022)

Meet the key characters of Aftersun (2022), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Calum (Paul Mescal)

Calum is a complex character grappling with depression and anxiety. He exudes warmth towards his daughter, Sophie, yet his internal struggles manifest in moments of detachment and sorrow, revealing the burden of keeping his emotions hidden. His journey explores the challenges of being a parent while contending with personal demons.

👨‍👧 Fatherhood 😔 Mental Health 💔 Internal Struggle

Sophie (Frankie Corio)

Sophie is an inquisitive and sensitive 11-year-old who seeks connection and understanding from her father amid their holiday. Her playful spirit contrasts with the underlying tension of her father's struggles, and she demonstrates emotional intelligence in her interactions with him and other characters. Her perspective is vital in shaping the narrative's emotional core.

👧 Innocence ❤️ Connection 🎥 Filmmaking

Adult Sophie (Celia Rowlson-Hall)

As an adult, Sophie reflects on her past and the memories shared with her father during their holiday in Turkey. Her character symbolizes the long-lasting impact of childhood experiences on adulthood, as she navigates her life with her wife and child. The rug purchased by Calum becomes a tangible link to her memories.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Family 🧺 Nostalgia 🌱 Growth

Michael (Brooklyn Toulson)

Michael is a young boy at the resort who becomes friends with Sophie. Their playful interactions and innocent first kiss represent the sweetness and naivety of childhood friendships, serving as a contrast to the more serious themes of parental struggles occurring in the film.

💖 Childhood 🕹️ Friendship 🎉 Playfulness

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 12:18

Major Themes – Aftersun (2022)

Explore the central themes of Aftersun (2022), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Parental Struggles

The theme of parental struggles is central to the film, highlighting Calum's internal battle with his mental health while trying to provide a joyful experience for Sophie. His attempts to maintain a façade of happiness, despite his emotional struggles, create a poignant exploration of the complexities of fatherhood and familial relationships.

👁️‍🗨️ Memory and Reflection

Memory plays a crucial role in 'Aftersun,' with Sophie’s video recordings serving as a reflection of both her childhood and her relationship with her father. The interspersed dreamlike sequences symbolize how memories can be elusive yet vivid, shaping our understanding of the past and our loved ones.

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 12:18

Unlock the Full Story of Aftersun

Don't stop at just watching — explore Aftersun in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Aftersun is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Aftersun Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Aftersun, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Aftersun Summary

Aftersun Timeline

Track the full timeline of Aftersun with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Aftersun Timeline

Aftersun Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Aftersun? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Aftersun Ending Explained

More About Aftersun

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Aftersun: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Aftersun

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