MEMOIR OF A SNAIL

MEMOIR OF A SNAIL

Written and Directed by Adam Elliot

Well here it is, in the most unexpected of packages comes 2024's most depressing movie. A stop motion animation import from Australia, MEMOIR OF A SNAIL really bummed me out and is kind of upsetting overall.

We follow Grace Pudel, adult aged and depressed in her garden as she recalls her entire life to her pet snail. Barely 10 minutes into the movie we're hit with our first tragedy and then it doesn't stop. The frequency and seriousness of these traumatic events would be comical in another movie but here it is played almost entirely straight. We deal with death of parents, neglect, body image, alcoholism, paralyzing accidents, family separation, religious torment, homophobia...the list goes on! 

While gorgeously animated and often humourous throughout as well, I found the nonstop plot developments to be emotionally manipulative and kept waiting for a tone shift that never quite happens. Sure things eventually do get better for our main character but it's a rather long road to get there. 

I expect this will show up on the Best Animated Feature category at next year's Academy Awards.

I still enjoyed the lovely voice cast and the novelty of such an adult movie told through beautiful stop motion, it's just not easy on the heart and soul. 

⭐⭐.5 out of 4