News > Aftersun: The most realistic portrayal of depression and intergenerational trauma in visual medium

Aftersun: The most realistic portrayal of depression and intergenerational trauma in visual medium

For a film with arguably the most moving and realistic depiction of mental illness, Aftersun doesn’t reveal the official diagnosis of Calum, Sophie’s father. The word ‘depression’ or ‘suicide’ is not used once, yet we know Calum ends up dying by suicide after the trip. Aftersun breaks every single stereotype one has come to associate with depression, suicide and mental illness. At times, mental illness manifests as impromptu Tai Chi moves, self-help anxiety books and plastered disingenuous smile.