‘Memoir of a Snail’ is a funny, poignant, and bittersweet chronicle of the life of an Australian misfit finding her path and silver linings amongst the clutter of life.
This film was written, produced and directed by Oscar winner Adam Elliot. Elliot created a beautiful and whimsical stop-motion movie that tugs at your heartstrings and is emotionally intelligent. The film shifts and flows between comedy and tragedy. It is also jammed packed with life-affirming themes that will leave you thinking.
The cinematography is stunning with excellent motion-control and boasts CGI technologies creating a tactile crafted film.
The voice acting for the entire cast was great, especially, Sarah Snook as Grace Pudel.
Young Gracie is troubled by misfortune and seeks comfort in her twin brother Gilbert and her pet and ornamental snails. When the twins are forcibly separated after the death of their father and placed in foster homes, Grace’s loneliness and sadness causes her to spiral into her shell similar to her pet snails. The snail shells lends to the idea that there are so many intangible things that we carry on our backs like trauma and grief.
Despite a continued series of hardships, inspiration and hope emerge when she becomes friends with an elderly eccentric woman named Pinky, who is full of grit and passion for life. The MVP of the movie is Pinky as she is truly an integral part of Gracie’s transformation. Their enduring friendship is a testament to the power of kindness, friendship and resilience amid adversity.
Overall, ‘Memoir of a Snail’ is a quirky, funny and emotionally satisfying film! I highly recommend it!
*San Sebastian International Film Festival: Memoir of a Snail
Director: Adam Elliot
