Memoir of a Snail Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A snail-obsessed woman narrates her sad life, filled with more depressing events than a Morrissey concert, until she finally decides to stop being a hermit and maybe touch grass (or at least a snail).

🍿 Memoir of a Snail: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Loss

Grace Pudel, narrated by herself as an adult, recounts her childhood alongside her twin brother, Gilbert, in 1970s Australia. Their mother dies during childbirth, leaving them with their paraplegic, alcoholic father. Despite the challenges, they share a close bond, with Gilbert often protecting Grace from bullies due to her cleft lip and unusual hobby of collecting snails. This section establishes the core relationship and early traumas that shape Grace’s character.

Separation and Foster Homes

Tragedy strikes again when their father passes away, leading to Grace and Gilbert being separated and placed in different foster homes across the country. Grace ends up with a couple who are self-help enthusiasts and swingers in Canberra, while Gilbert is taken in by a deeply religious family in Perth. This separation profoundly impacts both siblings, forcing them to navigate their individual struggles and adapt to vastly different environments. The use of letter-writing becomes a crucial element, symbolizing their enduring connection.

Grace’s Journey to Self-Acceptance

In Canberra, Grace struggles with loneliness and social isolation, eventually becoming a recluse surrounded by her snails and guinea pigs. She finds an unexpected friendship with Pinky, an eccentric older woman, who becomes a mentor and maternal figure. Pinky teaches Grace to appreciate life’s small joys and encourages her to embrace her true self. This mentorship is pivotal in Grace’s journey towards self-acceptance and finding her own path.

Gilbert’s Struggle with Religious Fundamentalism

Gilbert faces a starkly different experience in Perth, where his adoptive family attempts to suppress his dreams and individuality through religious indoctrination. He struggles against their restrictive beliefs and seeks to maintain his connection with Grace through their letters. This section explores themes of religious oppression and the fight for self-expression in a stifling environment. His passion is being a pyromaniac.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Grace Pudel (Sarah Snook): A melancholic woman who hoards snails, romance novels, and guinea pigs, narrating her bittersweet life story.
• Young Grace (Charlotte Belsey/Agnes Davison): The younger version of Grace, struggling with bullying and finding solace in her twin brother and snails.
• Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee): Grace’s twin brother, a pyromaniac who supports Grace and endures a difficult upbringing in a religious household.
• Young Gilbert (Mason Litsos): The younger version of Gilbert, a supportive brother who loves animals and protects Grace.
• Pinky (Jacki Weaver): An eccentric older woman who becomes a caring friend and mother figure to Grace, teaching her to appreciate life.
• Percy Pudel (Dominique Pinon): Grace and Gilbert’s paraplegic, alcoholic father whose death leads to their separation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Pinky: “Life can only be understood backwards, but we have to live it forwards.” – This quote encapsulates the film’s central theme, reflecting on past experiences to navigate the future with hope.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $669,798
• Worldwide Gross: $6,323,400

💥 Memoir of a Snail Reviews

Personal Review

This film is a deeply moving and unique animated drama. I found myself captivated by the story of Grace, a woman who finds solace in snails and navigates a world filled with sadness. The stop-motion animation is visually stunning, and Sarah Snook’s voice acting added another layer of emotion. It’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on life, loss, and the beauty of finding connection in unexpected places. I needed a good cry and this movie delivered.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of stop-motion animation”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories with emotional depth”
  • “Those who appreciate films that explore themes of loneliness and resilience”
  • “Adults who enjoy thought-provoking and unconventional animation”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes (loss, depression, trauma)”
  • “Suggestive content and sexual innuendo”
  • “Religious themes”
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Bullying”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Variety Film + TV: “A uniquely moving experience due to the artistry that’s displayed. It reminds us that labours of love such as this very much have a place in the movie world and it celebrates being different.
• Screen Daily: “The animation is beautiful, very smooth and it will please your eyes, with a story that is just amazing. Overall go and watch this movie, it is a masterpiece with everything you would want from a film.
• MsMojo: “Featuring the voices of Eric Bana, Sarah Snook, Jacki Weaver, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Dominique Pinon, the movie is brilliantly crafted on all fronts and is a thoughtful commentary on mental health, friendship and how your past doesn’t define you.

Audience Reactions

Many people have noted that the storyline is very emotional, often triggering tears and reflection.: Viewers celebrate the emotional depth, exceptional animation, and thought-provoking themes that make this a stand-out film.

Overall Consensus: Overall, Memoir of a Snail is celebrated for its unique animation style and emotional storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking cinema. However, some viewers find the movie to be too depressing.

Awards

1. Niigata animation festival (Grand Prix)- 2024

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film uses a unique stop-motion animation style, meticulously crafted with clay and various found objects to create a visually distinct and tactile world.”
• “Adam Elliot has said this film is partly autobiographical, drawing on his own experiences with loneliness and finding beauty in the mundane.”
• “Due to budget constraints, the film features limited dialogue, requiring precise lip-syncing, which contributed to the unique pacing and reliance on narration.”

🖥️ How to Watch Memoir of a Snail?

Currently, ‘Memoir of a Snail’ is primarily screening in select theaters. As a more independent film, its availability on major streaming platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, or Apple TV is not yet confirmed. However, keep an eye on these platforms for potential future releases or rental options. Digital purchase options may become available via platforms like Google Play Movies or Vudu after its theatrical run.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Memoir of a Snail, you might like these similar films:

• Mary and Max (2009): Directed by Adam Elliot, this film shares a similar stop-motion animation style and explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and finding beauty in the mundane.
• Anomalisa (2015): Both films use stop-motion animation to tell a story about isolation and the search for connection in a surreal and melancholic way.

🛒 Memoir of a Snail Related Products

• Memoir of a Snail – Limited Edition Soundtrack Vinyl: A limited-edition vinyl featuring the original soundtrack music and a fold-out poster. The album art is unique and captures the essence of the movie’s melancholic atmosphere.
• Build Your Own Snail Terrarium Kit: Get a snail terrarium kit and get yourself familiarized with all kinds of snails and their shell patterns.
• The Art of Memoir of a Snail: Behind-the-Scenes: A hardback book featuring concept art, storyboards, and interviews with the filmmakers, providing insight into the making of ‘Memoir of a Snail.’
• Plush Guinea Pig: Get a plush guinea pig, like the ones Grace kept as pets in the movie. They provide endless hours of fun and joy and they remind us of the importance of loving animals.

🎧 Soundtrack

Memoir of a Snail features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Alouette” – performed by Canadian trad. folksong
• “The Circle of Life” – performed by Elton John

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mark Kermode reviews Memoir of a Snail – Kermode and Mayo’s Take

Want a professional opinion on ‘Memoir of a Snail’? Mark Kermode’s review is here, and honestly, his insights are always spot on! See if you agree with his take.

School Bully Confrontation in Memoir of a Snail. Answer 250315 #movieclips #memoirofasnail #shorts

Remember that intense school bully scene in ‘Memoir of a Snail’? Check out this clip and let’s talk about it—it really hits hard, doesn’t it?

My Top 10 BEST MOVIES of 2024

Curious where ‘Memoir of a Snail’ lands among the best movies of the year? This reviewer put it on their list, and I’m curious to see if you agree with their placement!

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