The Weekly Croissant: Aftersun

Arty films never have good endings

What has everyone been watching lately? I have been trying to feed myself more quality films and television and thought that Aftersun would be an easy place to start, since it features one of my favs Paul Mescal, of Normal People fame.

If you know me, you know I will shout Sally Rooney’s praises at a dinner party to anyone who will listen, and have read and watched Conversation with Friends and Normal People more than once, more than twice…

Anyway, I saw that this movie was getting a lot of critical acclaim and even paid to rent it which felt strangely good. I made a whole event out of it; planned the evening, made some popcorn, etc. I think it is true that we value things more when we pay for them.

Aftersun follows a young father and his eleven-year-old daughter on a vacation together. It’s not a typically sad story; Both father and daughter are wonderful and trying in their own ways to connect, and there’s no external tragedy or oppression… it’s just normal old life. And yet there’s this intense melancholy and tension throughout as you realize the father is really struggling with himself.

I won’t spoil it in case you want to watch it.. but the movie doesn’t really have an ending… or at least I felt the ending was frustratingly vague. But I have still found myself thinking of it over and over this week. It’s definitely living with me a bit.

Watching Aftersun made me realize how much garbage I consume when it comes to movies and TV. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, I think there’s a time and place for mind-numbing media, but I feel certain that I’m missing out on a lot of meaningful work in the world of cinema. I’m hoping to increase my art hoe status in that realm this year. Please send me any and all recommendations!