Paul Mescal has a knack for breaking hearts. From his breakout role in Normal People to his recent tear-jerking performance in Hamnet, the Irish actor has become synonymous with emotionally charged storytelling. But before he took on Shakespearean tragedy, Mescal delivered a quietly devastating performance in Aftersun, a film that has since been hailed as a generational masterpiece.
Now, four years after its initial release, Aftersun is set to become even more accessible. Starting November 1, the film will be available to stream for free on Plex, giving audiences a chance to experience one of the most poignant dramas of the decade without a subscription fee.
A Deeply Personal Debut
Directed by Scottish filmmaker Charlotte Wells, Aftersun marked her feature directorial debut. The film draws loosely from Wells's own childhood, exploring the fragile bond between a young father and his daughter during a summer vacation in Turkey. Mescal plays Calum, a dad grappling with inner turmoil while trying to give his 11-year-old daughter Sophie (played by Frankie Corio) a memorable holiday.
The film's raw honesty and emotional depth struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Despite a modest budget—supported by a £350,000 National Lottery grant and Scottish Government funding—Aftersun went on to earn $9.7 million globally and racked up numerous award nominations. Mescal's portrayal earned him a Best Actor nod at the Academy Awards, even though the film was notably absent from the Best Picture category.
A Career on the Rise
While Aftersun remains a standout in Mescal's filmography, his career has continued to soar. His recent role in Hamnet, alongside Jessie Buckley, earned the actress a Best Actress win at the 2026 Oscars. The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, also featured Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and the Jupe brothers, and grossed an impressive $107 million worldwide.
Looking ahead, Mescal is set to take on one of his most ambitious projects yet: playing Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes's The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. The unique biopic will be released in segments through April 2028, with Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. The star-studded cast also includes Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, and Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd.
For those who haven't yet seen Aftersun, the free streaming debut on Plex is the perfect opportunity to catch a film that continues to resonate. And for fans of Mescal, it's a chance to revisit the performance that cemented his status as one of his generation's finest actors.
Stay tuned for more updates on Aftersun and other streaming releases. If you're a fan of Mescal's work, you might also enjoy The Northman, another intense drama that has found a loyal streaming audience.
