Try to find a new movie these days that isn't about the end of civilization. It is impossible and one more time emblematic about how far off the beam Hollywood development is.
I wandered into "Aftersun" mainly because one of the leads, Paul Mescal, is somebody I enjoyed in the Hulu series "Normal People." He was getting some Oscar buzz for his work here so I checked it out. And was delighted to discover it wasn't about doomsday or pandemics or global destruction. The story indeed is very simple and makes you think about more personal and intimate problems.
Isn't that refreshing?
Mescal plays 30 year-old Callum who takes his 11 year-old daughter Sophie on a vacation to a Turkish resort. It is obvious that Sophie is the product of a bar hook-up years back and this sojourn is part of his visitation package. He's a simple guy with limited funds but determined to provide his daughter with a good time.
Meanwhile, Sophie has all the usual 11-year-old strum and drang about her appearance, boys, etc.. And she, in return, is trying to forge a relationship with her dad who she doesn't get much chance to be with.
This results in essentially a two character piece that is at times both loving and uncomfortable. There are some recurring images that make you realize that you might be watching this happen in the past. Nevertheless, writer/director Charlotte Wells wraps the viewer in and you can't help but identify with Callum and Sophie. Because life is all about improving relationships.
And improved relationships just might stave off the doomsday omens we get in all the other movies being released today.
LEN'S RATING: Three stars.
Dinner last night: Leftover pot roast.
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