By José Alberto Hermosillo
“Memory” is a brilliant film with remarkable achievements in
directing and acting. The narrative flawlessly fluctuates between the lovers’
codependency and the portrayal of their past traumas and mental illness in a unique, human, and universal perspective that will indeed engage the audience from beginning to end.
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| Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard in “Memory,” directed by Michel Franco. |
Academy Award-winning actress Jessica Chastain (“The
Eyes of Tammy Faye,” “The Help,” “Crimson Peak”) plays Sylvia, a dedicated social
worker who provides compassionate support to individuals with special needs in
an adult daycare facility. She has been a member
of Alcoholics Anonymous since she became pregnant with her very responsible and
mature daughter, Anna (Brooke Timber), thirteen years ago. Sylvia still holds some very unpleasant memories from her
childhood, resulting in a conflicting relationship with her wealthy mother, who
labels her as a pathological liar.
On her way back home from the Woodbury bar after a high school reunion, Sylvia is followed by Saul Shapiro (Peter Sarsgaard), a well-dressed man who looks lonely rather than threatening. She is intrigued but leaves
him to stay outside in the cold all night long.
This encounter took place under unusual circumstances. Saul’s
brother offers her a job as his caretaker. Saul’s dementia makes it difficult for
him to recall recent events. However, he retains vivid memories of events that
occurred years ago, which Sylvia finds amusing.
The codependency of an unusual relationship takes an
unexpected turn, leaving both parties to struggle to make rational decisions.
This twist will surely surprise and intrigue the audience.
The couple, one diagnosed with dementia and the other psychologically
unstable, do not see the sensitive and legal consequences of their relationship
until it gets too late.
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| Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard in “Memory,” directed by Michel Franco. |
“Memory” is a masterclass in acting by Peter Sarsgaard and Jessica Chastain. They authentically delve into their characters’ emotions, behaviors, and psychology.
Peter Sarsgaard
(“Blue Jasmine,” “Jackie,” and “The Lost Daughter”) is extraordinary and classy, delivering a heartwarming performance. His inspiring work in “Memory” earned him the Volpi Cop for Best
Actor at the Venice Film Festival in 2023.
“Memory” is one of the best and
most ambitious films by Mexican director Michel Franco. Franco preserves a similar bleach-out and oblique style he
had in “Chronic,” his first English film starring Tim Roth, which
earned him Best Director at Cannes in 2015. The duo continued their work in
2021 in another moody, intricate, and violent film made in Acapulco, “Sundown.”
“After Lucia” gave Franco the
Uncertain Regard Award and international recognition. With “April’s
Daughters,” Franco achieves a high level of respect for directing actors from
different nationalities. In Michel Franco’s films, audiences can see the
actors’ body language without the need to read subtitles to understand the deep
emotions of his stories.
In “New Order,” Franco brought an asphyxiating,
nonstop level of violence and anarchy rarely seen on the big screen. It is one
of the most realistic Silver Lion winners presented at the Venice Film
Festival.
Life is beautiful in a relationship, but it is also painful, challenging, and regretful.
“Memory” does not focus on the alienation or sickness of the two main
characters but on their codependency to cope inadaptability with their physical needs, which is challenging. This makes the audience feel empathetic
and understand their needs and struggles, making them see themselves through
Sylvia and Saul’s eyes.
Watching “Memory” brings us an unforgettable experience that
will live in our recollections for quite a long time due to its impeccable performances
and solid direction.
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| Mexican director Michel Franco and film critic José Alberto Hermosillo www.FestivalinLA.com |
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