Oscar winner Adam Elliot's first feature film since his beloved 2008 classic Mary & Max, Memoir of a Snail marks itself down as a significant return to the claymation/stopmotion space for Elliot, who once again proves to be a distinct voice in the Australian filmmaking scene, making his 16 year absence from the big stage a disappointing missed opportunity to get more out of such a talented artist.
While not reaching the grand heights of his Oscar triumph Harvie Krumpet or Mary & Max, Snail sees Elliot return to many similar elements that made his two most noted works such a success as he follows Sarah Snook's snail loving loner Grace Pudel on a trip down (mostly depressing) memory lane after the death of her only friend Pinky (Jacki Weaver).
As odd, adult-orientated and stunningly crafted as his past claymation/stopmation works, perhaps if Snail came before the Krumpet's or Mary and Max's of the world it would have felt slightly more ground-breaking or unpredictable, as there's a clear pattern that Elliot has laid out for himself to follow but there's also no denying that you don't need to mess with a winning formula and for those that found Elliot's past works to be favourites of theirs, it's highly likely Snail is going to be right up there with them.
A character as downbeat and odd as Harvie, Mary or Max, Snail's main protagonist Grace is a down and out loser who's taken more hits than the common man that date back to her parents untimely deaths and separation from her beloved twin brother Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee) with nothing but some snails, guinea pigs and a now passed on elderly friend to keep her company and her look back over her past life experiences and current ones aren't exactly made for happy times but throughout you will be amazed by the artistry on display and the lovingly voiced roles that all lead towards an emotionally resonate finale that is sure to draw out some significant feelings from viewers.
In a day and age where so much cookie-cutter material is what passes the muster as a final product fit for audiences these days in the cinematic format it's great to see that the Australian film industry and the wider film loving world are willing to support such oddball productions such as Snail, one that has managed to strike a chord around the world with various wins and nominations in major award ceremonies and festivals, showcasing that everything doesn't have to follow a particular pattern set out by studio executives and focus groups.
Even though at 90 minutes the constant stream of quirks, depressing happenings and talks of potato's wears a little thin, there's a lot to like about Snail, a film that celebrates being different and reminds us that labours of love such as this very much have a place in the movie world.
Final Say -
Not as unforgettable as the short but sweet Harvie Krumpet or the magnificently well-rounded Mary & Max, Memoir of a Snail is a nice return for director Adam Elliot who collaborates brilliantly with his vocal leading lady to craft another distinct and sure to be cult-favourite Australian offering.
3 1/2 Chiko Rolls out of 5
Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)
