Memory (2023) - Review
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© Mubi
Directed by: Michel Franco
Written by: Michel Franco
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Peter Sarsgaard, Merritt Wever, Brooke Timber, Elsie Fisher, Josh Charles, Jessica Harper
Runtime: 100 min
Synopsis: Sylvia is a social worker who leads a simple and structured life: her daughter, her job, her AA meetings. This is blown open when Saul follows her home from their high school reunion. Their surprise encounter will profoundly impact both of them as they open the door to the past.
© Mubi
Editor's Note: Original review was written for FandomWire. Full article can be found below.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Memory is a poignant exploration of identity and relationships, anchored by mesmerizing performances from Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard. Michel Franco delves into the profound significance of memories, tackling heavy themes such as dementia, sexual abuse, familial distrust, and trauma with authentic, non-exploitative care. The deliberately subtle technical choices, such as a colorless palette and the absence of a musical score, heighten the sensitive weight of the impactful atmosphere. Packed with fascinating, morally complex characters, the movie stands as a testament to the transformative potential of cinema in studying the depths of the human experience.
