Nostalgic drama hailed as ‘best film of 2022' and 'masterpiece' available to stream now

Daily Record

19-06-2025

The Scots movie, starring Paul Mescal, has a 95 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is certified fresh.
Aftersun was met with huge critical acclaim when it was released in 2022 - earning Paul Mescal an Oscar nomination for his performance in the film, as well as kick-starting the career of young Scots actress Frankie Corio.
The pair would go on to become the main attraction at most awards events that year as the movie - written and directed by Scot Charlotte Wells - scooped a raft of accolades including the BAFTA for Best Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
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Hailed by critics as one of the "greatest depictions of depression and grief captured on film" the plot focuses on the themes of childhood, parenthood and memory.
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The story follows an 11-year-old Scottish girl called Sophie as she goes on holiday to to a Turkish resort with her dad, Callum, on the eve of his 31st birthday.
The film was occasionally shot through a mini video camera adding to the period texture, and is an ode to nostalgia with hints of something far darker.
It received universal praise across the board from critics, who heralded Wells' direction and screenplay, and the performances of the stars.
Aftersun was also named one of the best films of 2022 by the National Board of Review and earned Normal People star Mescal an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Mescal himself was a huge cheerleader of the project, and was full of compliments for his young co-star, who was 12 at the time, when she was awarded Variety's '10 Brits to Watch' at the Newport Beach Film Festival for her performance.
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Mescal told a star-studded audience the West Lothian youngster will 'take over the world' as he stood up to collect his own gong for Artist of Distinction.
He said: 'This is a crazy honour, it feels like yesterday I graduated from drama school. It feels like a short time and so much water has passed under the bridge. This lady here [Frankie Corio] is going to take over the world."
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Corio, who lives in Livingston with her teacher mum Leona and bathroom fitter dad Frank as well as her two siblings, was also dubbed a 'rising star' by Hollywood veteran Kate Blanchett and nominated for a BAFTA for Best Actress, making her the youngest person ever to make the shortlist for the gong.
The young Scot - who was aged just 10 when she was cast in the film - has gone on to build a bright future in the industry. Now 14, she made the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list earlier this year, which singles out emerging young talent. Corio has also starred in 2024 horror Bagman alongside Sam Claflin, and 2024 short film Stray.
Frankie had no previous experience in acting and beat out 700 hopefuls to et the part after her mum sent a photo of her to a casting call. She also won the London Critics' Circle Award for Young British/Irish Performer.
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Movie fans who have yet to see Aftersun - or those who loved it so much they want to watch again and again - are now able to stream it for free, as it's just been added to BBC iPlayer's Film Premiere section, and it'll be available there for nine months.
The movie has been Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 95% rating on the 'Tomatometer', and an 82% 'Popcorn Rating'. Critics and movie goers are united in their positive feedback on the film.
One fan said: "Deeply sad and profoundly moving, yet a powerful testament to the undeniable love between father and daughter. A true masterpiece."
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One added: "Beautiful yet sad. Actors were incredibly talented."
Prabhjot Bains, Tilt Magazine, said: "Charlotte Wells' picture-perfect debut visually epitomizes the heart-wrenching processes of memory."
Gautam Sunder, from The Hindu, added: "Director Charlotte Wells gives us one of the most piercing debuts in recent memory with this intimate dad-daughter relationship drama."