Memory is about a single mother Sylvia who accidently meets Saul. He turns up on her doorstep and is having trouble with his memory.
An unlikely pair met after Saul followed Sylvia home after their high school reunion.
He has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia. So, his family are over-protective and worried about Saul getting lost or into trouble by himself.
While Sylvia has a traumatic past that is stopping her from having romantic relationships. She’s a recovering alcoholic who remembers events skewed.
Sylvia works as a social worker, so offers to look after Saul. His brother is initially hesitant, but eventually agrees.
Slowly the two navigate around their weaknesses and learn to trust each other. However, when their burgeoning relationship hits a big roadblock, it’s the daughter who finds a way to mend things.
The film shows the impact of memory loss on building relationships and a sense of self.
Starring Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard, who won the Best Actor Award at the Venice Film Festival for this film. The two powerhouses are needed to pack a punch.
The set design sometimes looked like a low-budget university production. The editing was not sharp, with many scenes showing one camera angle.
There’s no sharp dialogue or light-hearted moments to give some much-needed relief.
Written and directed by Michel Franco.
Memory is meditative and meandering at times, but it all seems to come together in the end. I just wish it had finished with the predictable ending sooner.
Australian cinema release date of 14 November 2024.
About Memory
The story of Sylvia, a woman who can’t forget and Saul, a man who can’t remember.
Director: Michel Franco
Run Time: 103 minutes.
Leave a Reply