Written and directed by Charlotte Wells, who makes her directorial debut, Aftersun is a beautifully told story that reflects upon what is remembered, the gaps in between, and the nature of memory itself. With a focus on a father-daughter relationship and their connection, Aftersun ponders which memories leave an imprint, and what is lost when trying to see a clearer picture of a loved one’s inner life. Wells masterfully weaves the past and present together and, though the film doesn’t have any straightforward answers, it’s in the exploration of one’s memory and the reflections that emerge where the drama is at its best.

Sophie (Frankie Corio) and her father Calum (Paul Mescal) are on holiday in Turkey. Sophie and Calum lounge by the pool, go to karaoke, and have nice dinners together. There’s is a seemingly normal vacation, a final summer outing before Sophie starts school,...