10 Best Directorial Debut Films Of The 21st Century (So Far)
6. Aftersun
There aren’t many films made in the 21st century that hit harder and cut deeper than Charlotte Wells’ directorial debut, Aftersun. That said, the feature is one of the Indie film market’s best it has to offer to both audiences and critics alike.
Starring a career-best performance to date from Paul Mescal, as well as introducing many to the wickedly talented Frankie Corio, Aftersun is a real gem of a movie.
A dark, coming-of-age drama, Aftersun explores the loving but complex relationship between a father and daughter, as her now-adult self attempts to put the pieces back together regarding how much she truly knew him and about the pain he was suffering with on their last holiday together.
It’s a tough watch, but Aftersun is a film everyone should see due to its realism and relatability regarding mental health and the symptomatic signs that accompany depression and the detachment that can develop as a result.
Aftersun is undoubtedly one of last year’s greatest and most powerful movies, making its one Academy Award nomination all the more perplexing. Although that one nomination came in the rightful form of a Lead Actor nod for Mescal, Wells’ writing and direction deserved recognition also, and possibly even rewarding had it not been such a competitive year for film. Have tissues at the ready, because you’re going to need them watching this.