Aftersun

Rewatched this gem but this time with my parents. Was excited to do so at first but I slowly descended into dread because it felt like I was baring all of myself in front of them. I’ve always been transparent with my family, especially with the severe depression I’ve been battling for years now, but having them watch a movie that means the world to me was a different kind of vulnerable I didn’t know was possible. I always saw a bit of myself in both Sophie and Calum. Just like Sophie, I am incredibly close to my dad. We did ALL the things they did in the film. We love to play billiards and swim. He taught me self-defense and sports. We really have done it all, so this movie hits really hard for me as a Father-Daughter film, regardless of the underlying message. When it comes to Calum, it’s like seeing a mirror. Mescal’s depiction is crazy good and he really deserved that Best Actor Nomination in the Academy Awards. I have never felt so seen in a movie. Even as a teen, one of my biggest fears is failing to become a good parent to my future kids (if I have any), just because I have depression. This movie feels necessary for me in my mid 20s and has given me a lot to think about.  Anyway, I really wanted my parents to like something so dear to me. They did but I knew it wasn’t their type of film. Either way, still a good experience. I can’t stop sobbing though haha.