Last Updated on October 18, 2024 by
Memoir of a Snail is a 2024 Animation Movie written and directed by Adam Elliot. The film stars Sarah Snook, Charlotte Belsey, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Mason Litsos, Eric Bana, Magda Szubanski, Dominique Pinon, Tony Armstrong, Paul Capsis, Jacki Weaver, Bernie Clifford, Davey Thompson, & Nick Cave., with a runtime of 1 Hour 34Min, and was released on October 17, 2024.
Memoir of a Snail is an animated film by Adam Elliot who also directed the most successful ever film known as Mary and Max. Following CHOKE, Elliot returns to feature films after a hiatus – the story intertwines tragedy and comedy as it explores trauma and loss. The movie has been in the making for eight years and it has just been showcased at the Annecy Animation Festival.
The plot revolves around Grace, whose voice has been provided by actress Sarah Snook, and it is clear that she has not had it easy. During her childhood, her mother died when she was born while her father, Percy, died when she and her twin brother, Gilbert, were young. As a young girl living in 1970s Australia, Grace has a challenging and often acquisitive existence that is characterized by a pervasive feeling of loss. The plot of the movie encompasses the effects of trauma such as hoarding, which was based on Elliott’s real life with his mother being a hoarder.
Deciding to tell her life story to one of her pet snails, Grace embraces an unusual method of relating her personal experiences and moods. This connection with her snail illustrates her loneliness after being taken away from her brother in the childcare system. Throughout the movie, Grace seems to have a lot of issues with her past and she does not seem to be content with her life, she has a boring job and a stupid boyfriend and all she is waiting for is Gilbert to come back and save her from her misery.
Memoir of a Snail’s illustrations conveys the weight of Grace’s life experiences. The different colors used include dull browns, grays, and beiges that depict her emotional status as well as the clutter in her house. The crowded frames signify oppression, which is a reflection of how one’s issues can cage him or her into the life he or she is living.
At the same time, the movie also has a humorous side although the plot is rather serious. There are some humorous moments, for example, Grace’s foster parents are Ian and Narelle, who are nudist swingers. They bring a comedic element that complements the seriousness of some of the scenes in the film.
Most importantly, Memoir of a Snail helps to make the point that there is always happiness and hope somewhere in this world even amid adversity. This is because according to Grace, the fact that her brother will be back gives her a reason to live. However, when that hope of finding a soulmate starts to dwindle, she becomes more of a passive figure in her own life. The film is a perfect example of how a dream can change the perception of life, no matter the pain and failure.
This aspect of animation is fascinating, as characters have big eyes and mouths that can stretch to depict emotion. This artistry adds a level of charm to the film that makes people connect with the characters on a level that others may not achieve. All objects in the movie are thought to detail, proving the passion that Elliot put into making the film and the beauty of stop-motion.
Memoir of a Snail helps one to understand that though it is important to recall the previous days and events, it is good to focus on the future and never give up a dream. This story is bitter-sweet and makes one look for a light in a tunnel that seems to have no end. Thus, in a world of struggles depicted in the film, the audience receives a simple yet significant message: there is always room for the light even in the darkest places.
Memoir of a Snail 2024 Parents Guide Age Rating
Memoir of a Snail is rated R by the Motion Picture Rating (MPA) for sexual content, nudity and some violent content.
Language: There is some use of vulgar language in the movie, though not excessive, viewers who have children should watch it with caution or preferably with help from a parent. Parents should decide for themselves if this kind of language is right for their family and what they want their children to learn.
Violence and Disturbing Scenes: There is no actual violence, yet there are scenes depicting a specific feeling of suffering, which is connected with loss, grief, and trauma. Certain sequences could be violent, and certain viewers might be shocked or upset due to the events or ideas that the film presents. As for Grace, she experienced neglect in her childhood, and in her foster parents’ home, she did not have proper care and attention. Such representations can be rather concerning and could make the viewers, especially the young ones, feel sad or even angry.
Sexual Content: It is possible to find references to adult themes concerning the characters of Ian and Narelle who are represented as nudist Perkhaz swing. The fact is, it is kind of amusing; however, one has to remember that this is not suitable for young children and may need to be accompanied by a warning.
Substance Use: Some sequences in the film depict characters as drinking alcohol. Grace’s father, Percy, is depicted with a bottle of whiskey, and there are other instances of alcohol consumption depicted at the cinema. Although they do not include explicit scenes or portray alcohol use in a positive light, they may still influence the audience to consume alcohol more frequently, particularly young people.
