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Drama

Aftersun (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Aftersun (2022) movie poster

Aftersun is a 2022 drama directed by Charlotte Wells, starring Frankie Corio as Sophie, Celia Rowlson-Hall and Paul Mescal. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes and earned $8.9 million worldwide. It won 3 awards from 15 nominations, one of them 1 Oscar nomination. Critics gave it 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 95 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

IMDb rating
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
95%
worldwide gross
$8.9M
awards won
3
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Aftersun (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Director
Charlotte Wells
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
Studio
A24
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Aftersun About?

The premise of Aftersun without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

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.

Aftersun Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • father daughter relationship
  • vacation
  • hotel
  • depression
  • home video
  • young father
  • memory
  • video camera
  • despair
  • 1990s
  • full rear nudity male
  • male rear nudity
+38 more
  • lesbian
  • gay kiss
  • karaoke
  • repeated scene
  • arm cast
  • playing pool
  • camcorder
  • home movie
  • scottish
  • bracelet
  • father's birthday
  • postcard
  • boy
  • mud bath
  • male nudity
  • first kiss
  • drunkenness
  • turkey the country
  • turkish rug
  • written by director
  • bare chested male
  • scotsman
  • 11 year old
  • 11 year old girl
  • teenage boy
  • swimming pool
  • rug merchant
  • scuba diving
  • dancing the macarena
  • eavesdropping
  • water polo
  • childhood memory
  • hotel room
  • pay phone
  • singing for he's a jolly good fellow
  • implied death of character
  • father daughter dance
  • handsome man
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Cast & crew

Aftersun Cast & Characters

Frankie Corio leads the cast as Sophie, with Celia Rowlson-Hall as Adult Sophie and Paul Mescal as Calum. Directed by Charlotte Wells; 6 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Aftersun

· 2 more
From the director

More from Charlotte Wells

More films directed by Charlotte Wells: Blue Christmas, Laps and Tuesday.

Full filmography
Ratings

Aftersun Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Aftersun 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 95 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (70).

86 /100

Aftersun Echo Score Breakdown

Aftersun emerges as a nuanced, emotionally resonant film that balances delicate direction with strong performances. Critics and viewers alike highlight its subtle storytelling, striking cinematography, and the lingering impact of its themes of memory and loss. While the deliberate pacing and ambiguous narrative may challenge some audiences, the film’s craftsmanship and heartfelt acting foster a lasting impression. Overall, the work stands as a compelling debut that rewards attentive viewing.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates meticulous direction and striking visual composition. Critics commend its understated yet adventurous style, and users note the gorgeous cinematography and careful editing. The production design supports the intimate tone while the soundscape complements the mood. These elements collectively reinforce the film’s aesthetic credibility, resulting in a strong artistic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    Character and emotional depth are central strengths, driven by nuanced performances from Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio. Both critics and audiences describe the portrayals as subtle, natural, and emotionally resonant, allowing the father‑daughter relationship to feel authentic. The chemistry between the leads enhances the film’s emotional core, creating a believable and affecting connection that anchors the narrative.

  • Story & Flow 70

    The story’s structure relies on measured pacing and a fragmented recollection of events, which some reviewers find purposeful while others view it as slow or lacking conflict. Critics appreciate the originality of the implied narrative, yet several users mention a desire for clearer plot momentum. Consequently, the storytelling is seen as artistically daring but uneven in engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    Sensory experience receives high marks for its restrained yet effective use of music, sound design, and visual tone. Reviewers highlight the careful selection of period songs, understated score, and the film’s soft color palette, all of which reinforce its reflective atmosphere. The cohesive sensory language deepens immersion without overwhelming the intimate narrative.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    Rewatch potential is bolstered by the film’s lingering emotional resonance and layered details that reward repeat viewings. Critics note the lasting poignancy and the film’s capacity to stay with audiences after the credits. Although its slow pace may deter casual revisits, the nuanced performances and subtle storytelling encourage viewers to return for deeper appreciation.

Plot

Aftersun Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Aftersun from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the bustling backdrop of the late 1990s, we are introduced to an 11-year-old girl named Sophie Patterson, who, accompanied by her 30-year-old father, Calum (Paul Mescal), embarks on a picturesque holiday to a Turkish resort. Following the amicable separation of her parents—her father migrating to London after the split—this trip serves as both a bonding experience and a poignant exploration of their emotional landscapes. Sophie, fully equipped with her MiniDV camera, captures their vacation memories, intertwining her recordings throughout the film to create an authentic glimpse into her youthful perspective.

Full summary

The whole story of Aftersun, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Aftersun Box Office

Aftersun grossed $8.9 million worldwide. $1.7 million came from the US and Canada and $7.2 million (81%) from the rest of the world.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$8.9M

US & Canada
$1.7M
International
$7.2M
US & Canada 19% Rest of the world 81%
Awards

Aftersun Awards & Nominations

Aftersun won 3 awards from 15 nominations, one of them 1 Oscar nomination. Its biggest night was the Spirit Awards 2023, with 1 win from 5 nominations.

3 wins15 nominations6 ceremonies

Show all 6 ceremonies
Videos

Aftersun Trailers & Videos

19 videos: 3 trailers, 7 clips and 9 featurettes.

All 19 videos
Official US Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer #2
  • Clip Official Clip
  • Clip Official Preview
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Aftersun?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What does Sophie use to document their holiday?

Details

Aftersun Also Known As

23 alternative titles, including “Poslije sunca” and “Akharei Ha'Shemesh”.

Also known as
  • Poslije sunca
  • Akharei Ha'Shemesh
  • Güneş Sonrası
  • 애프터썬
  • 日麗追憶
  • 日麗
  • کرم پس از آفتاب
  • アフターサン
  • 晒后假日
  • Солнце моё
  • بعد الشمس
  • Hoàng Hôn Buông Xuống
+11 more
  • Po soncu
  • אחרי השמש
  • Після сонця
  • Volt egyszer egy nyár
  • Aftersun - päivämme auringossa
  • อยากให้อยู่นานกว่านี้, aftersun/アフターサン
  • След слънце
  • Sous le soleil
  • Po saulės
  • Pēc saules
  • Päikesepõletus

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FAQ

Aftersun FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Aftersun, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Aftersun?

Aftersun runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was Aftersun released?

Aftersun was released on October 21, 2022.

Who directed Aftersun?

Aftersun was directed by Charlotte Wells.

More films by Charlotte Wells

Who is in the cast of Aftersun?

Aftersun stars Frankie Corio as Sophie, Celia Rowlson-Hall as Adult Sophie and Paul Mescal as Calum, among 6 credited actors.

How much did Aftersun make at the box office?

Aftersun grossed $8.9 million worldwide ($1.7 million domestic, $7.2 million international).

How is Aftersun rated?

Aftersun has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 95 on Metacritic and 4.2/5 on Letterboxd.

What awards did Aftersun win?

Aftersun won 3 awards from 15 nominations, including Best First Feature at the Spirit Awards 2023.

Does Aftersun have a post-credit scene?

No. Aftersun has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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