This article discusses sensitive topics, including suicide.
In the acclaimed film Aftersun, the emotionally charged dance between Calum and Sophie to “Under Pressure” encapsulates a moment of joy that belies deeper, somber themes. This 2022 release tells the poignant story of Calum, a single father, and his 11-year-old daughter Sophie, who vacation in a Turkish resort as Calum approaches his 31st birthday. The film features standout performances that catapulted Paul Mescal into the spotlight, earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, while Frankie Corio emerged as a remarkable new talent. Additionally, debut director Charlotte Wells has gained recognition as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary cinema.
The film’s soundtrack is filled with memorable musical instances, including a charming birthday serenade where Sophie rallies fellow tourists to sing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” for her father. Another unforgettable moment occurs when Calum encourages Sophie to perform “Losing My Religion” during a karaoke night. However, it is the scene of their dance to “Under Pressure” on the trip’s final night that resonates profoundly, serving as both a heartwarming and haunting memory.
Dancing to “Under Pressure”Represents the Last Joyful Memory for Sophie
Calum Leaves Sophie with a Last Fond Memory
As they share a dance to the iconic track by David Bowie and Queen, Calum finally embraces the opportunity to connect with Sophie. Although he had previously declined to join her for karaoke, this moment marks a joyous culmination of their vacation. Yet, it is subtly suggested that this dance also signifies the last carefree memory Sophie will have of her father, hinting at the tragic events that follow.
Notably, Aftersun has been recognized as the best film of 2022 according to the Sight and Sound end-of-year poll.
Throughout the film, Calum’s despair is implied rather than explicitly stated. He shares his doubts about reaching the age of 40, expressing surprise at having made it to 30. The dark climax is illustrated when Calum wanders into the ocean during the night after leaving Sophie at karaoke, leading to the discovery of troubling notes in their hotel room, suggesting suicidal thoughts. The significance of the “Under Pressure” dance is amplified by the implication that it could be Sophie’s final joyous memory before Calum’s tragic demise.
Analyzing Adult Sophie’s “Under Pressure”Strobe Light Visions in Aftersun
Nightclub Scenes Symbolize Sophie’s Attempts to Connect with Calum
Interspersed throughout the film are dreamlike flashbacks to a ’90s rave, showcasing an adult Sophie dancing beneath flashing strobe lights. In these surreal sequences, she glimpses Calum in the crowd; however, her attempts to reach him are repeatedly thwarted. When she finally embraces him, he eludes her grasp, illustrating the emotional distance that has grown between them over time.
These nightclub scenes serve as a metaphor for Sophie’s struggle to emotionally connect with her father. As she revisits memories of their holiday in Turkey, it’s clear that her reflections are attempts to gain insight into Calum’s profound disconnect, ultimately revealing her struggles to understand the reasons behind his tragic choice.
The Lyrics of “Under Pressure”and Their Connection to Sophie & Calum’s Relationship
“Splits a Family In Two”
Director Charlotte Wells chose “Under Pressure” for its poignant relevance to the film’s themes. The lyrics poignantly address the loss of childhood innocence and the confrontation with life’s harsher realities—core aspects of Sophie’s narrative arc in Aftersun. This Turkish vacation represents the last glimmer of her childhood before the darkness of adulthood intrudes, as Calum’s struggles lead him to a devastating end.
The references to “pressure” in the song resonate not only with Calum’s financial burdens but also the crushing weight of his depression, hinting at the emotional rift between him and Sophie. The lines “Can’t we give ourselves one more chance? / Why can’t we give love that one more chance?” reflect the fleeting joy of their dance, embodying Calum’s final opportunity to express his love for her. Additionally, the lyric “turned away from it all like a blind man” symbolizes Sophie’s inability to see the depth of her father’s turmoil, a realization that materializes only years later as she contemplates their time together.
The Song’s Connection to the Film’s Overarching Themes
“Under Pressure”Reveals Hidden Sadness
The melody of “Under Pressure,” juxtaposed with its heavy lyrical content, powerfully enhances the narrative of Aftersun. The song captures the immense pressure that Calum faces, mirroring his internal struggles, yet its upbeat tempo can mask the underlying sorrow—much like Calum’s attempts to shield Sophie from his mental health issues. Their joyous dance serves as a reminder of the human connections that provide solace, even if temporarily.
Overall, while moments of frustration and sadness punctuate their vacation, it is also a time marked by love and connection. The relationship between Calum and Sophie, encapsulated in their dance to “Under Pressure,” invites reflection on the complexities of love and despair, deepening the tragedy as one contemplates their bond long after viewing Aftersun.