Mescal's performance is such an inspired choice to nominate for the Oscar because so much of it is happening in reflections or partially out of frame. He exists as a memory that the film is desperately trying to hang onto, never truly able to be captured but forever entrancing.
This is not a film about explanation, it is a film about transition.
No matter how much you have suffered or loved, life continues to be in motion. Memories often dance alongside you and if you want to stop feeling haunted by them then you have to dance too.
I can't wait to be a dad one day. I know I should be scared by it but that's not what this film is about. Aftersun believes that whatever your life may be, the most immortal thing you can do is love.
Sophie feels haunted by both the failings and the love of her father but in the end, having hate and anger at a dancing ghost doesn't turn down the music or stop the lights.
I'm not scared to be a dad one day because life, whatever you may have expected it to be, is about love.
Dance with your memories and love those you have with you now. They'll both be with you in the future.