Sometimes you watch a movie that connects with you in unexpected ways. For some, this movie changes your perspective, offers insight into the world and self, or brings unexpected joy. This year, Memoir of a Snail is that movie for me.
I had the privilege of seeing it at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival and was immediately enchanted.
I hadn’t even heard of it before seeing it and only became interested when I saw a tweet giving it a rave review. Thank you to that Twitter user for sharing their opinion because it led me to one of my favorite movies of 2024 (so far).
Memoir of a Snail follows Grace Pudel, a young woman who endures great tragedy throughout her life, including the death of her close friend Pinky. The film starts with this passing and uses it to catalyze Grace’s story. The film’s title comes from her obsession with snails and what they represent.
They represent a connection to someone lost.
Grace has collected snails for most of her life because she views them as a connection to her deceased mother. She loved snails. Grace’s dedication to these slimy creatures makes her a social outcast, but many people accept this quirk.
She doesn’t completely exist in loneliness.
Memoir of a Snail effortlessly blends comedy and drama while depicting the lifelong pain of loss, grief, and general growing pains. It’s a movie about many things, especially grief, and how it manifests differently for everyone. Grace channels her pain into her snail hoarding.
Her hoarding showcases individuals who become hyper-fixated on something as a distraction from feelings. Collecting snails allows Grace some control.
Many may not collect snails, but maybe they hoard antiques or take up hobbies that keep them busy and distracted. It’s not what Grace collects that connects her with this feeling of escaping grief by any means necessary.
Snails are her coping mechanism for handling something that feels impossible to handle. Many don’t deal with grief and loss in productive and positive ways, so through Grace’s unusual hobby, she’s very normal and human.
Snails are her route of distraction and protection.
The strength of Memoir of a Snail lies in its writing. Director and writer Adam Elliot weaves an almost fable-like tale of a woman who doesn’t necessarily go on fantastical adventures but has them happen around her. She isn’t the star of her own story but the people around her bring her life to life — at least that’s how Grace views things.
Pinky, Gilbert, and her father, Percy, take leading roles while Grace watches and supports them. Grace just wants to move around slowly in the shadows. However, her life is never seen as sad.
Elliot never scorns or judges Grace and this empathy travels to the viewers. We look at Grace through the same lens of sympathy. Memoir of a Snail leads with compassion, which comes across in all aspects.
The film has a unique stop-motion style. It doesn’t seem like it’s trying to copy others but takes inspiration from them. Grace and the people in her life’s unique looks help add to the allure of this story.
Their strange looks make them human but not too human to not appreciate the artistry and creativity of their construction and creation.
Through their voices, Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Jacki Weaver animate their characters authentically, charmingly, and lively. Each one puts their all into this voice-acting work.
These leads and the supporting cast demonstrate the power of voice acting when done with the same care and attention as physical acting. You’re left in awe of this voice work.
Memoir of a Snail is a must-see movie experience that highlights the beauty of heartfelt storytelling in any media.
Memoir of a Snail is currently available to see in limited theaters.
