MIFF 2024 Film Review - Memoir of a Snail

Images courtesy of Common State.

After winning an Oscar for his stop-motion animated short Harvie Krumpet in 2004, Melburnian filmmaker Adam Elliot followed up his efforts with the heart-wrenching stop-motion feature Mary and Max in 2009. Since then, audiences have eagerly awaited his sophomore feature and return to the medium he flourishes in. Fifteen years later, Memoir of a Snail is finally here, and it was well worth the wait. 

Grace Pudel (Sarah Snook) lives a modest life in Melbourne with her twin brother Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee) and paraplegic father. After the death of her mother and her father’s descent into alcoholism, things become increasingly difficult for Grace. However, there is one thing that manages to bring her comfort and happiness - snails. In particular, her extensive snail collection. When their father passes away, Grace and Gilbert are separated and sent to live in Canberra and Perth. Alone and depressed, Grace begins to retreat from the outside world - much like a snail would inside their shell - and fills the void with excessive hoarding. She experiences many misfortunes, including heartbreak and more loss, but is given a glimmer of hope when she meets an eccentric elderly woman named Pinky (Jacki Weaver). With the help of her new friend, Grace tries to find confidence and make sense of the confusing mess that is life. 

It’s not an overstatement or exaggeration to say that Memoir of a Snail is a work of art. With a production period of eight years, Elliot delivers a visually sumptuous feast through the world he crafts with claymation. There is no CGI at all here - every last puppet and object is handmade with love and care, and it certainly shows in its intricacy. The characters are imperfect and wonky, making them all the more endearing and captivating to watch. The artistry on display here is truly breathtaking, and that isn’t limited to the characters. Elliot recreates famous Melbourne locations like Luna Park and Brunswick Street to the very last detail, displaying craftsmanship that is truly unmatched. 

While the visuals play a starring role, it’s the film’s heart and emotion that will truly resonate with audiences. Grace’s story, through all its challenging stages, is beautifully moving and deeply human. Elliot once again offers a meditation on life and human connection as he did in Mary and Max, delivering a poignant comic tragedy. The film is as equally funny as it is devastating, much like life itself. Snook’s softly spoken narration and voice as the protagonist is subdued, yet filled with passion and complexity. Weaver also brings an abundance of charm and cheekiness to her performance as Pinky.

Memoir of a Snail is an absolute triumph, cementing Elliot as a visionary and one of the best in his field. It should be a strong contender for Best Animated Feature at the 2024 Oscars.

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Memoir of a Snail is screening as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival, running in cinemas and online August 8th-25th.

For more info, click here.