MOVIE INFO:
In 1970s Australia, Grace’s life is troubled by misfortune and loss. After their mother dies during pregnancy, she and her twin brother, Gilbert, are raised by their paraplegic-alcoholic former juggler father, Percy. Despite a life filled with love, tragedy strikes anew when Percy passes away in his sleep. The siblings are forcibly separated and thrust into separate homes. Gilbert finds himself in the care of a cruel evangelical family, while Grace, grappling with intense loneliness, gradually withdraws into her shell, much like the snails she adopts. As the years pass, and despite new disappointments and sorrows, a glimmer of hope emerges when she strikes up an enduring friendship with an elderly eccentric woman called Pinky.
REVIEW:
“Memoirs of a Snail,” directed by Adam Elliot, is a profoundly moving stop-motion animated film set in 1970s Australia. It tells the heart-wrenching yet hopeful story of Grace, a girl beset by misfortune and loss, who finds solace in the companionship of snails and a newfound friendship.
Following their mother’s tragic death during childbirth, Grace and her twin brother Gilbert are raised by their paraplegic-alcoholic former juggler father, Percy. Despite the challenges, their life is filled with love until Percy’s untimely passing in his sleep. The siblings are then forcibly separated and placed in different homes, with Gilbert ending up in the care of a cruel evangelical family and Grace retreating into her shell, much like the snails she adopts.
Years pass, and despite new disappointments and sorrows, hope emerges in the form of Pinky, an elderly eccentric woman voiced delightfully by Jacki Weaver. Pinky’s friendship becomes a beacon of light for Grace, voiced by Sarah Snook as an adult and Charlotte Belsey as a young girl. The film seamlessly combines heartfelt storytelling with stunning animation, capturing the intricacies of Grace’s journey from despair to resilience.
Comparing “Memoirs of a Snail” with “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On,” both films highlight the lives of small, often overlooked creatures, imbuing them with rich personalities and depth. However, while “Marcel” focuses on the adventurous spirit of a young shell, “Memoirs of a Snail” delves deeper into the introspective and poignant moments of Grace’s life, making for an emotional and profound viewing experience.
Within the realm of stop-motion animation, “Memoirs of a Snail” stands tall, evoking the meticulous artistry reminiscent of classics by Wladyslaw Starewicz and Ray Harryhausen. It brings a grounded, intimate perspective that invites viewers to appreciate the beauty of small, everyday moments.
When compared to the traditional animated film “Flow,” which explores the interconnectedness of life through the journey of a water droplet, “Memoirs of a Snail” offers a more personal and introspective narrative. While “Flow” delivers an epic journey through various ecosystems, “Memoirs of a Snail” focuses on the inner world of its characters, making for a deeply relatable and touching tale.
Overall, “Memoirs of a Snail” is a touching and thought-provoking film that highlights the power of resilience and the human spirit. It is a beautiful addition to the world of stop-motion animation, offering a unique and profoundly moving perspective on life’s journey. This film is a must-watch for those who appreciate the art of storytelling and the magic of animation.
Grade A-. Streaming on Amazon Prime.
CREDITS:
Directed by
Written by
Adam Elliot
Produced by
Liz Kearney
Adam Elliot
Starring
Bernie Clifford
Davey Thompson
Charlotte Belsey
Mason Litsos
Cinematography
Gerald Thompson
Edited by
Bill Murphy
Music by
Production
companies
Arenamedia
Snails Pace Films
Distributed by
Release dates
- 10 June 2024(Annecy)
- 17 October 2024(Australia)
Running time
94 minutes
Country
Australia
Language
English
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