AFTERSUN (2022) REACTION / FIRST TIME WATCHING

I can't stop thinking about this movie.

[@bailey2996]

man that scene where he spits at himself in the mirror really gets me, it's as if he blames himself and probably thinks that he's passed on his condition to his daughter.

[@TheBookOfBryan]

Exactly. That scene cuts a lot deeper when you realize that's surely what's going through his head.

[@bearinasuithaha8417]

I think it’s also supposed to represent a form of suicide. At many points in the movie he does something reminiscent of a way to kill yourself -standing on the fence of the balcony for jumping off -walking in front of a bus that honks at him -cut himself trying to get his cast off is like cutting a wrist - the spitting in the mirror is similar to the blood splatter you would have for shooting yourself in the head -the diving down to get the goggles is similar to drowning There might be others I’m missing but just incredible foreshadowing and symbolism

[@sauviel6296]

​@@bearinasuithaha8417 also when in the middle of the night he just walks into the beach

[@moritzkersting7563]

Ending under pressure with ,,this is our last dance“ is just so haunting

[@GB-np4pi]

27:07 you were pretty spot on! The strobe/rave setting is essentially Sophie’s memory of him, always dancing and in flashes. It’s a visual representation of adult Sophie’s relationship with him, she’s yelling at him, telling him to stop dancing, to stop pretending like he’s fine. She’s mad that she never saw him again, but also understands as an adult now that people can go through really dark times. At the end when he walks through the double doors into the strobing lights, it kind of implies that he commits suicide shortly after she left. Also that scene of the wall separating them while he’s in the dark bathroom cutting his cast while talking with Sophie who’s oblivious to his pain is basically a metaphor for what was going on.

[@TheBookOfBryan]

Yeah. More of this became clear after sifting back through the movie and listening to other peoples analysis as well. There were so many subtle hints scattered throughout that you don't pick up on your first watch. It puts us very much in Sophie's shoes, who also didn't notice these things as they were happening, but she's now reflecting and searching through their old tapes to try and see the signs. Knowing what I do now, the last five minutes of this movie is honestly some of the best cinema I've ever seen. I keep going back to it. The real tragedy is that Sophie clearly demonstrated that she loved him dearly just as he was, but he just couldn't get over this consuming feeling of being a failure. He wanted Sophie to be completely open and honest with him because he didn't want her to suffer internally in the same way he has, but he can't find it in himself to offer that same honesty about his pain. "This is our last dance" hits different when you realize it's meant quite literally. This movie touched me.

[@GB-np4pi]

@@TheBookOfBryan I agree, those last five minutes hit me so much harder than I ever expected. Lots of movies explicitly tell you what happened in the end but somehow Charlotte Wells is able to convey that through pure emotion. No one tells you what happens, you just *feel* it.....and that too in her feature film debut! Can't wait to see more films from her and more reactions from you as well.

[@juayitl]

Thanks for those tears man. The thing I love most about this movie is that it feels as if Charlotte Wells (the director through this Sophie character) is reaching out to embrace men like Callum who have to bury their feelings to fulfill "the functional man" mandate by society. I cried a lot with Aftersun, I just wanted to hug these people and tell them it's going to be ok even though uncertainty suffocates us when we're down. Fantastic work

[@TheBookOfBryan]

I've watched this a few times now. The more I learn about this movie, the more my heart hurts. Apparently this film was almost autobiographical about Charlotte Wells and her father. I then saw a photo of them together from vacation in what reminds me of the final dinner scene, and I started sobbing all over again. The resemblance to the actors is uncanny. This movie felt so genuine and intimate because that's exactly what it is. It's a deeply sensitive and vulnerable window into the life of the director and her memories with her father. My eyes are watering up just typing this now. This is such an incredible film.

[@prenomnom4638]

its clearly not about that

[@goofrider]

The clearest acknowledgement from Charlotte Wells about what happened to Callum/her father was her acceptance speech at BAFTA: "I read online that somebody described this film as a eulogy. I suppose it is of sorts, um, a eulogy for my dad. But, by definition, he's not here. But my mom is, and she always has been. And so this is for you."

[@TheBookOfBryan]

This movie grabbed my heart and hasn't let go. I've seen it three or four times now, and plan to watch it yet again tomorrow. The more I learn about this film, or details I notice while revisiting it, the more my heart aches. Especially discovering that this film is almost biographical to the director and her memories of her father. Like I said in another comment, this movie feels so genuine and intimate because it truly is a vulnerable window into Charlotte Wells own life. Even the resemblance to her and her father to the actors is uncanny. This film was so well done, and I've fallen so deeply in love with it that I'll probably be putting together a video essay on it in the future. I appreciate all the new commenters on this video, and hope you stick around to see more content. Movies like this are exactly why I wanted to start doing these videos. I'm so thankful I decided to watch this film and get a chance to talk with all of you about it. There's not been a day that it's left my mind and I don't want it to.

[@davey8914]

To think, a first-time feature film director... To think, Frankie Corio's first acting role... Paul Mescal, as ever, superb. I'll never, ever forget this great movie. Subtle, intelligent, thoughtful, beautifully performed and shot. I'm glad you weren't ashamed to show, your emotional reactions. Maybe us men should do this more - and that's perhaps a lesson learned after watching this piece of wonderful art. Respect from UK.

[@stefficelis]

I have only watched this movie once and it absolutely broke me, I don't think I've ever felt this way with another film 💔

[@redcatsix]

I remember watching this for the first time and immediately calling my parents just to talk to them. This film has a sneaky way of getting into your heart with the chemistry between the main actors and how natural their performances are, so when they pull the rug out from under you it has such an emotional impact. It's crazy to think that this is a first-time feature and I'm looking out for whatever Charolette directs next.

[@bearinasuithaha8417]

I think Calum walking out of the airport and into the race symbolizes that that’s the last time they see each other ever again and the only place Sophie’s sees her dad is in the her head where the rave of consuming and confusing emotions is. So calum leaves the world and only lives in her head as he walks away

[@BigNasty20]

Few movies have moved me the way this film did. My mind is still in a blender. Truly in awe of it. I just ordered the blu-ray not too long ago, and I’m dying to watch it again.

[@TheBookOfBryan]

I didn't know it was available on blu ray yet! I'll have to get a copy ASAP

[@TheBookOfBryan]

Apologies for the noise. I did not anticipate my camera mic picking up the laptop fan as loud as it did. I will use my other mic from the last video for future reactions.

[@sheng21]

i was alone and lonely that night when i watched not a fucking good idea hahaha great fucking film

[@AtiAnthony]

Me too. I watched it in the cinema alone and the ending hit me like a freight train

[@elmaestropolla7184]

Nice reaction bro, watched the film twice about 2 weeks ago and still can't get it outta my head, beautiful work

[@peaceofiona9198]

Paul Mescal was in little episode in Lost Daughter last year. He was also in Rolling Stones video clip Scarlet few years ago. But now he is working on new movies with famous directors like Ridley Scott( Gladiator 2), Andrew Haigh, Garth Davis, Kevin McDonald and Richard Linklater to name a few

[@TheBookOfBryan]

I'm extremely interested to see what he does with Linklater. I adore his films. Particularly the Before Trilogy.

[@fitterhappier2666]

what a beautiful movie, still has me thinking after days having watched it. I keep realizing so many clues towards the father and his inner tribulations

[@sonofdistress]

I love the art when movies touch a universal spot in humankind. It’s like we all understand intuitively what’s happening and what’s so shattering about it - even when it’s not told. It’s only hinted throughout the entire cinematography. It really connects to inner wisdom. For me personally these kinds of movies are the highest form of cinema. I can’t understand how you wouldn’t wanna achieve this level of sensitivity as a director. ❤

[@biggestfanofroger]

I had a very similar reaction. It hit me at the very last shot and I couldn’t stop crying

[@jennifer5512]

I felt exactly how you did watching. Thanks for sharing your reaction!

[@michaellambgelo]

On my first watch, I didn't cry until after the title card. Based on your video and my experience in sharing this with others, and actively rewatching it 10 more times, the ending is a gut punch.

[@LighthouseGoblin]

Hey, wonderful reaction!! New to your channel but this popped up in my feed because of kismet I guess 😅🤷 this was one of my favourite films from last year and probably all of time. Also real spooky to have a main character with the same name as me - that’s never happened before! I particularly loved the little clues (so to speak) towards the start of the film: the broken arm, the books that Calum has brought with him - incredible stuff

[@stardustvideo]

Omg that ending was brutal. I'm still in shock

[@henners98]

This was a nice honest reaction mate

[@mikefreaz]

Thank you for this! Love your reaction. I adore this film so much.

[@icemanfan7806]

Oh man. Every time I hear Aftersun, I always tear up.

[@moviefeeder6811]

Hey, hope you're doing fine at the start of the new year. Really enjoyed this reaction video and I hope you do more of these!

[@catlover69286]

there are a lot of signs in this film that callum has depression symptoms, one of them being when he walked down the street not caring about being hit by passing cars which u seemed to notice he was “unphased” by, him going scuba diving without taking lessons, him buying the carpet when he doesn’t have the money, etc.

[@brianboland7094]

Thanks for such an empathetic reaction my friend.This film is a work of art in every respect and so beautifully heart wrenchingly sad

[@Poffenberger1PicksUFC]

I still cant stop thinking about this movie. Especially the ending. Im still not the same every time i think of it.

[@Awhmanitsdanttv]

Subbing to you, because none of my regular reactors are reacting to my favorite movie of all time and I need a cathartic release of watching someone else cry to the losing my religion scene and ending. Haven’t started the video yet but I know imma love it 🎉

[@-OM1NOUS-]

Watch eternal sunshine of the spotless mind

[@lilmeat-lx7ob]

I'm still grateful that my bf showed me this movie, it's such a cinematic masterpiece as my bf and I have experienced what the dad was going through it hit harder

[@Yorealdad]

I never cried to movies but this one got me.

[@thedjib9658]

I think the implication is that the scene we when he walks into the sea, actually happened shortly after they parted ways at the airport. There is a moment during the rave scene, where it looks like he falls backwards into water and sees the faces of adult Sophie, then child Sophie from an underwater perspective.

[@TheBookOfBryan]

I've heard people suggest this, but after rewatching a few times more closely, that part doesn't seem to be out of sequence in my opinion. He was wearing the same clothes as he was that night. I think he was having a moment, and felt an obsessive urge to retrieve the goggles from the ocean while his depression was growing, and feeling like he failed as a parent yet again by not singing with Sophie. I also saw Charlotte Wells comment about that originally being the implication of that scene (desperately attempting to retrieve the goggles), but she liked a lot of the film to be up to interpretation. But as for *how* he kills himself, I don't think the film really meant to make that clear. It's just apparent to us that he seemed to be planning to commit suicide and likely did soon after since this was the last they saw of each other.

[@goofrider]

​​@@TheBookOfBryan it should be noted that narratively all the scenes at the vacation where Sohphie's not present or couldn't possibly have seen them herself are *constructed memories* . They're what adult Sophie imagines what *might* have happened. That includes Callum walking into the ocean, spitting into the mirror, when Callum went out to the balcony to smoke after putting Sophie to bed, Callum crying alone on the bed, etc. But from a filmmaking standpoint, those scenes mostly are for the purpose of giving audience glimpses of Callum's interior life, so that by the final scenes you have a pretty good idea what happened to Callum after the movie ends.

[@HiActors_KR]

This film is just a masterpiece!

[@ehrratic_]

I may or may not have cried for ten minutes after this movie ended. Definitely cried.

[@OTG1776]

A24 is fire!🔥💯

[@tonys.8667]

Beautiful movie and beautiful reaction. Obviously there isn't any movie that is similar, since this is such a tragic, intimate, and truly heart felt movie...but would you happen to have any recommendations that would bring this same type of feeling? Like you said, it feels good to feel something, and this too is my type of movie.

[@moonlightmoonchild1133]

I think "close" (also by a24) is also gorgeous and heartbreaking

[@seventeencarat7090]

" The lunchbox " if you want to see .... It's a Bollywood movie ( my most favourite Bollywood movie).... That movie is also similar

[@lukeeyres8484]

All Of Us Strangers, which also features Paul Mescal, an equally melancholic but beautiful movie.

[@sevendaughters]

50000 lira back then would have been a couple of dollars. Turkey knocked 3 zeros off their currency at some point to make the numbers a bit more easy to comprehend. I realise this is not the most important point in the film, but I felt like being that guy.

[@MrVanes147]

Thanks for this video, man Love your reaction and wise and deep thoughts Feeling the same and crying too Subscription

[@TheBookOfBryan]

Just watched it again. I'm just happy I'm not the only one this affected so much

[@tonymk618]

This movie still haunts me.

[@derlis_whatever7033]

Not a single moment of silence with you 😭

[@SCharlesDennicon]

I'm not sure that talking that much to a camera while you're watching a movie allows you to fully enjoy said movie. I'm used to reaction videos, but you really went overkill. ^^; Well, at least you liked the movie!

[@TheBookOfBryan]

I absolutely adore it. That's funny though. I got the exact opposite complaint from some other people. I guess it's hard to find a balance between lazily not offering much input or saying too much in a way that pleases everyone.

[@thegael791]

I think talking to yourself is perfectly fine in these reaction videos, essentially he is just speaking his thoughts out loud which is very interesting and strangely intimate. I personally really enjoy reaction videos for this very reason. If he were sat chatting with somebody else then yeah, I would consider that to be ignorant, because both would be giving priority to each other in those moments while missing the movie.

[@yamarigonled7136]

Sentí lo mismo 😔24:58

[@anupamc176]

😢

[@ScribblyProductions]

I literally did not know you still uploaded here wtf

[@TheBookOfBryan]

Trying to anyway... Lol

[@ScribblyProductions]

@@TheBookOfBryan Well this vid did pretty fuckin good

[@TheBookOfBryan]

@@ScribblyProductions Bout to upload another

[@christinecampbell9507]

Can't believe you don't remember Paul Mescal's name while you spout on about how good an actor he is. Embarrassing listening to you so switching off :(

[@TheBookOfBryan]

Oof. Lol I'd only seen him in one other thing prior to this film and my memory is atrocious. I've seen this movie several times at this point. I certainly remember his name now! I'm eager to see what he does in the future.

[@Emrhncngz]

I'm never the same person after watching Aftersun🥹