Memoir of a Snail (2024)
The moving stop-motion cartoon Memoir of a Snail by Adam Elliot follows depressed hoarder Grace Pudel—who loves snails—as she tells her life narrative to her preferred mollusc. From her turbulent upbringing to her eccentric adult years, Grace’s story is a mix of tragedy and comedy set against 1970s Australia.
The movie first grabs viewers with its breathtaking images. With every frame painstakingly created by hand, Elliot’s trademark clayography technique comes through. From the little accessories to the expressive character designs, the extraordinary attention to detail creates a rich visual tapestry that invites you in. Strong performances by the vocal cast—especially Sarah Snook as Grace—are evident. She arouses real sympathy by precisely capturing the vulnerability and resiliency of the character. Jacki Weaver also excels as Pinky, Grace’s larger-than-life companion, offering much-needed light among the film’s more serious subjects.
Elena Kats-Chernin’s soundtrack merits particular attention for its eerie beauty, which accentuates pivotal emotional points all through the movie. Thanks in great part to its evocative music, one especially powerful sequence really connects.
Memoir of a Snail’s tone swings from comedy to grief. Elliot usually strikes a good mix between these components, but occasionally the emotional swings seem startling. The timing of the movie may also be erratic; at 94 minutes, it drags sometimes and begs questions about whether some sequences might have been cut for smoother flow.
Another issue I have with the movie is the overreliance on narration. Although it offers background and understanding of Grace’s ideas, it occasionally seems too much and takes away from the visual storytelling. Sometimes the narrator clarifies what could be expressed by action or expression, therefore undermining the otherwise powerful visual narrative of the movie.
Some of the supporting characters also feel underdeveloped, and some story elements have no resolution. Occasionally, the eccentricity of the movie strays into what seems forced rather than feeling as though it is organically rising from the context.
Still, the movie deftly examines ideas of loneliness, fortitude, and the value of personal connection. Grace’s path reminds us gently that there can be flashes of optimism even in our worst of times. The story gains interesting depth from the snail carrying its shell acting as a metaphor for the emotional load Grace carries.
Memoir of a Snail is a singular and strikingly beautiful work. It is worth seeing even if it might not be flawless and might not appeal to everyone as it has a heartfelt aspect. This movie is definitely worth seeing for anyone looking for something unique and ready to interact with its emotional depth; be ready for some tears along the road.