User reviews

"Memoir of a Snail" is a stop-motion animated film written and directed by Adam Elliot ("Harvie Krumpet", "Mary & Max"). Featuring the voices of Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Jacki Weaver, it is yet another poignant story about human loneliness and finding purpose in this complex world.

In the 1970s, young Grace Pudel (voiced by Sarah Snook) lives with her twin brother Gilbert (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee) and their father Percy (voiced by Dominique Pinion) in Victoria, Australia. Due to her cleft lip and unusual hobby of collecting snails, Grace is frequently bullied by the other kids at school, often necessitating Gilbert to step in and defend her. One day, Percy suddenly dies in his sleep, causing both Grace and Gilbert to be sent off to separate foster homes located several miles across the country. Grace ends up being adopted by a married couple of swingers in Canberra while Gilbert is taken in by a deeply religious family of fundamentalist Christians in Perth. Despite their geographical handicap, the twins remain in close contact by writing each other letters recounting all of their experiences living with their different adoptive families.

It is a tough world out there for many of us, especially for those who fail to fit in with mainstream society, whether because of mental illnesses or just a general inability to connect with others. Speaking from personal experience, I find that having hobbies can help alleviate your loneliness but they can also contribute to a sense of alienation from those likely to dismiss your passions as weird and ridiculous. Adam Elliot, whose claymation movies tend to focus around these related themes, are an ideal representation of the desire for outcasts to be accepted for who they are, faults and all. In Elliot's latest film "Memoir of a Snail", we are shown another touching and sometimes darkly comical look at the lives of individuals whose longing for emotional connectivity is sure to strike a chord with its intended audience.

Don't let the film's cute looking characters and clay animation fool you into thinking it is a children's movie; this is in fact an adult-oriented story that deals with the heavy-handed themes of ostracisation, depression, and a sense of belonging in this harsh and unforgiving world. As the film begins, our lead protagonist Grace sits in a graveyard narrating everything important that has happened throughout her life up until now. We see that as a child, Grace had shared quite a close bond with her twin brother Gilbert, who despite her bizarre qualities, always defended his sister against anyone who made her feel worthless. In one scene, Gilbert even breaks the finger of a bully who repeatedly harasses poor Grace for her choices in fashion, causing them to leave her alone for good.

In addition to this, it is shown that Grace has a particular affinity for snails due to their ability to withdraw from the outside into their shells, something she likens herself to doing whenever she wants to hide away from her problems. Grace's obsession with snails continues well into adulthood, and the film uses many other interesting metaphors and imagery to convey this to the audience. For instance, Grace learns that snails die after laying their eggs, which is where she notes the similarities in her mother dying shortly after giving birth to her and Gilbert. Later, when their father dies, Grace and Gilbert are soon permanently separated off into different foster homes, setting things in motion for how each of their lives are going to play out from this point forward.

Grace soon finds life in Canberra with her foster parents to be quite reasonable, despite their weekly habit of going to swingers parties and leaving her all alone at home to fend for herself. As she is in a city that prides itself on being the safest in all of Australia, you would assume that would put all of her concerns at ease, however, this is far from the truth. It quickly becomes clear that Grace no longer has Gilbert to defend her from any bullies or other problems she cannot handle on her own, causing her mental state to deteriorate even further than before. She struggles to make friends and is eventually so depressed she becomes a recluse with only her snails and pet guinea pigs to keep her company.

Meanwhile, all the way over in Perth, Gilbert has to deal with his family of extremely religious bible-thumpers, who try to shoot down his dream of becoming a fire-breathing street performer in Paris, believing it to be a job of the Devil. Nearly all of Gilbert's attempts at free thought and expression are suppressed by his adoptive mother Ruth (voiced by Magda Szubanski), a strict woman who insists he dedicate his life to constant praying and working on her apple farm. Like his sister, Gilbert is also unable to form a connection with other people, leaving him with little other choice but to acquiesce to the high demands of his adoptive family. The only thing that keeps the two siblings going is reading the letters they manage to send to one another, where they insist they will one day reunite to scatter their father's ashes where he always wanted to be dispersed - the Luna Park Big Dipper rollercoaster.

As she grows older, Grace meets and befriends Pinky (voiced by Jacki Weaver), an eccentric old lady who becomes the caring mother figure she never truly had. It is here we watch Pinky teach Grace how to appreciate the small things in life, like getting a permed-up hairdo or smoking a cigar out in the rain. Much like the snails she holds fondness for, Grace slowly but surely gains more confidence in herself thanks to Pinky's influence. In fact, she even manages to build up the courage to go on a date with a local mechanic she has feelings for, culminating in a long term relationship she has always craved.

At this point, the film begins to shift its focus away from Gilbert and primarily towards Grace, where it becomes clear that the audience is supposed to absorb all of the philosophical traits of the story. In any other case, this would come across as preachy and condescending, however, I always found myself drawn towards everything Grace and Pinky were doing together, no matter how trivial. Similar to the title characters of Adam Elliot's previous feature film "Mary & Max", this one does a great job treating its overarching themes of loneliness and insecurity in a concise, relatable manner, using dry humour and heartfelt character growth to help us empathise with somebody like Grace. As a result, this allows viewer to come to an understanding of why people like Grace and Pinky would be able to form a connection with one another in the first place.

Though his films might not be as clean cut as Aardman Animations or as large scale as Laika, there's still much to appreciate in Adam Elliot's unique stop-motion art style and sense of humour that helps set his ones apart from the others. The locations Elliot creates all have a level of grit to them, as though they actually feel lived in and reflect the era of 1970s Australia. Additionally, we also see Elliot play up the distinctly Australian quirks and eccentricities in his characters. For example, one recurring gag I loved has Pinky loudly shouting obscenities at passing motorists who either almost run her over or mock her for whatever odd activities she is currently indulging in. Also, we see Grace feeding her pet snail Sylvia some Vegemite on toast, something only an Australian would ever do within a serious context. If Aardman can be a definitive representation of British culture and Laika for American culture, then I would say that Adam Elliot's "Clayography" style successfully depicts Australian culture to a tee.

The film's voice acting is solid thanks to the performances of the cast, primarily Sarah Snook as Grace and Kodi Smit-McPhee as Gilbert. Snook, who also narrates the film, is responsible for bringing out a great deal of loveable pathos in Grace, never once leading her down a hole of despair or self pity. You can't help but want Grace to be happy no matter what curveballs life ends up throwing her way, even if that means subjecting her to one heartbreaking moment after another. Likewise, Smit-McPhee plays up the caring brother type in Gilbert, with only his sheer determination and love for his sister preventing him from giving up entirely. These twin siblings share an almost symbiotic connection with each other, as though whenever one is hurting, so is the other.

I also really liked Jacki Weaver as Pinky, Grace's first real friend who isn't a family member or an animal. Some of my favourite scenes of the whole movie involved Pinky teaching Grace her own personal tips on how to enjoy life. This is a woman who has lived through so many major historical events and interacted with all kinds of people, yet still happily finds the time to hang out with a young woman like Grace who only wants somebody to talk to. Without giving away spoilers, Pinky's significance in the story proved to be much more than I had initially expected, paving the way for a rather emotional conclusion.

As the world becomes harder for us to deal with, it is comforting to watch a film like "Memoir of a Snail" to remind us that amongst the complexities of life, there can always be a rainbow at the end of the storms we are battling through each day. Like with "Mary & Max", it teaches us the importance of embracing our flaws and accepting that some things just cannot be changed about ourselves no matter how hard we may try. Regardless of that, we can all still live happy lives with our imperfections in tow, as these fundamental flaws make up what it means to be human. It is not often we get to see a film touch on such deep philosophical themes like this, let alone one made in claymation, so for that reason alone it is well worth your time.

I rate it a solid 9/10.

Awesome story with truly beautiful art and animation. I couldn't stop looking at all the thoughtful details throughout this entire movie. The sets are just mindblowing. Probably the best stop motion I've seen and in such a creative and unique artistic style. I think this movie was so successful in creating a seamless aesthetic while also telling a very thoughtful and emotional story. The creators of this film must feel very proud of what they've created here, and rightfully so. I also really appreciated the small moments of light heartedness and joy throughout this tragic telling. Without a doubt one of the best films of the year.

Greetings again from the darkness. If you believe that animated films should be whimsical fairy tales developed for children, Adam Elliot would like a word. Actually, he would like about 90 minutes of your time to introduce you to an entirely different approach with stop-motion animation. Elliot won an Oscar for his animated short HARVIE KRUMPET (2003) and also developed the excellent animated feature MARY AND MAX (2009). Not one to shy away from grown-up topics, Elliot's latest is a gem filled with most every emotion.

Relying heavily on narration, the story is told by Grace Pudel (voiced by Sarah Snook, "Succession"). It's her own life story, but contrary to what the film's title would have you believe, Grace is a person, not a snail (at least not a shelled gastropod). However, she is telling her story to her favorite pet snail, Sylvia. It's OK if that sounds a bit strange, because Grace and her story will draw you in and have you caring very much. The story starts at the beginning ... with Grace's premature birth ahead of her twin brother Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee).

Grace chaperones us through her early years. These were not easy years as mom died early on, and dad was an alcoholic paraplegic with sleep apnea. Mostly we learn about Grace and her collection (hoarding) of snails she kept in a glass jar with Vegemite for their nutrition. She tells us about her beloved brother Gilbert's love of animals, reading, magic, and fire. When their dad dies, Child Services sends Grace and Gilbert to separate foster homes in different parts of Australia. It's not just geography that makes a difference. Grace is fostered by a couple of self-help gurus who are also swingers (it's not a movie for kids). Gilbert is sent to live with a harsh religious cult family demanding work while offering no love.

The twins maintain contact through letter-writing, and Grace fills in some of the details for us. Her story includes a romance with Ken, a neighbor who loves his leaf blower and has a certain fetish that takes Grace a while to uncover. She also forms a special bond with Pinky, and older lady (voiced brilliantly by Jacki Weaver) who teaches Grace to relish life. While Grace often lives inside a shell, much like her pet snails, she does treasure her time with Pinky, whose final letter is touching.

This is an all-too-ordinary life told exquisitely (that's me trying to avoid saying ordinary and extraordinary in the same sentence). The emotions are overflowing and range from grief to sadness to frustration to anger to hope. Elliott includes nods to literature, roller coasters, Parisian street performers, guinea pigs, and nudist camps (possibly a first in the animated world). We also see the dark side of religion and the importance of friends and family. Grace truly lives the circle of life, as she learns that snails have no choice but to live in the shell under which they are born, but she does have a choice. The score from Elena Kats-Chernin is beautiful and fitting, and Elliot leaves us with this thought: "Life can only be understood backwards, but we have to live it forwards." So get busy living!

In theaters on November 8, 2024.

Memoir of a snail is currently my second favourite movie that I have ever watched and here is why. First of all the animation is beautiful, it is very smooth and it will please your eyes

Secondly it is one of if not the funniest films I have ever seen, the comedy is magnificent.

My third reason is this film is very emotional, if you are going to watch this movie bring some tissues because you will probably cry watching this film.

My fourth reason is it has every single emotion that I can think of, there are sad moments, happy moments, funny moments, Scary moments, disgusting moments and more.

My fifth reason is the story is just amazing, it is a film about life and it's good and bad moments.

Overall go and watch this movie, it is a masterpiece with everything you would want from a film.

From the writer-director of Mary & Max comes yet another stop-motion animation gem, this time a bittersweet memoir of a melancholic misfit who looks back on her life marred by tragedy, misfortunes & mundanity. Taking ideas & inspiration from the director's own life, Memoir of a Snail addresses loss, grief, loneliness, depression & more through the trials & tribulations of the lonely misfit from childhood to adulthood.

Written, produced & directed by Adam Elliot, the film is darkly funny & downright devastating as we journey more into the life story of our protagonist. Elliot employs slices of his own experience to narrate this memoir that starts on a poignant note but slowly finds its way towards hope as it unfolds, ultimately finishing with a life-affirming statement that we can only connect all the dots looking backwards while living forwards.

The painstaking stop-motion process impresses without doubt but it's the voice performances that leave a stronger imprint along with the deft script, splendid camerawork & excellent score. The story does get repetitive after a while and the slow pace becomes a bother but there is an earnestness in the storytelling that shines through and compels the audience to stay on board, and makes its message heard loud & clear in the end.

Overall, Memoir of a Snail is a skilfully directed, neatly scripted, ingeniously animated, expertly photographed & intimately scored tragicomedy that ranks amongst the better films of the year. It is heartbreaking yet heartwarming, disquieting yet comforting, tragic yet amusing and all the things that makes life worth living. A plea that asks its viewers to get out of their shells in order to experience the beautiful tapestry of life, this memoir is worth a shot.

What an absolutely beautiful, touching, well rounded, unique movie. I am beside myself.

I've watched thousands of movies, but this is the first time I felt compelled to write a review, immediately after the movie finished.

It is so full of emotion and really heartfelt. That's really all I have to say about it. It's perfect , and perfectly done. So creative and very impressive, considering the whole production is made out of clay. His previous movie, from 15 years ago (Mary & Max) was equally special, unique, touching, and full of heart.

I really wish more people heard about these movies or gave them a chance, because they are one of a kind and so so so darn good.

Animations were executed with precision, and the voice performances were outstanding; however, what struck me most was the fluency with which the movie navigated profound emotions while incorporating elements of dark comedy.

Typically, these two tonalities exist at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum, and it is common for writers to falter when attempting to blend such contradictory tones. In this instance, however, the outcome was surprising, to say the least.

The makers not only achieved a harmonious balance between humor and sentimentality, but I also found the blend to be neither superficial nor unappealing, instead I appreciated every transition that unfolded throughout the narrative, from the start to the finish!

I was crying as much as I was laughing, having a good time altogether and I also admire how the story serves as an introspective journey that inspires hope and motivates us to live our lives forward because...

"Life can only be understood backwards, but we have to live it forwards"

Our family went to the movies last night to watch the Australian film 🇦🇺 Memoirs of a Snail (2024). The story follows twins who live their best life together with their dad-until he passes away, and they're separated by child services. They struggle to find their way in life, facing scams and exploitation, yet they always hold out hope of finding happiness again someday.

Written and directed by Adam Elliot (Mary and Max), the film features the voices of Eric Bana (Troy), Sarah Snook (Succession), Jacki Weaver (Bird Box), Kodi Smit-McPhee (Let Me In), and Dominique Pinon (Alien Resurrection).

This movie is brilliantly crafted on all fronts. The animation is incredibly detailed and distinct, bringing a unique visual style to the film. The storyline is compelling and thoughtful, delivering meaningful insights into mental health, self-created happiness, and the idea that your past doesn't define you. The world in which the story takes place is richly imagined, and the unexpected sexual innuendos and nudity added a layer of realism that surprised me. The theme of friendship shines here, showing how two wounded souls can help heal one another. There's so much to appreciate, and the ending strikes a perfect balance between triumph and sadness, adding a touch of realism.

In conclusion, Memoirs of a Snail 🐌 is an exceptional addition to the animated genre and deserves consideration for Best Animated Picture of 2024. I'd rate it an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.

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)

Wow, it's been a long time since a movie not only struck me straight in the heart but also resonated deeply with my very core.

Set in 1970s Australia, the story follows Grace, whose life is marked by profound misfortune and loss. After their mother tragically dies during childbirth, Grace and her twin brother, Gilbert, are left to be raised by their paraplegic, alcoholic father, Percy, a former juggler. Despite a life filled with love, tragedy strikes again when Percy passes away in his sleep. The siblings are torn apart and placed in separate foster homes, forced to navigate an unforgiving world without each other.

The animation is stunning, and the film handles heavy subjects-loss, physical disabilities, bullying, and alcoholism-with remarkable sensitivity and honesty. What makes it truly special is its balance: the humor woven into the script creates moments of levity that prevent the story from becoming overwhelmingly somber.

This movie will particularly resonate with those who come from broken homes or have experienced childhood trauma. The portrayal of foster parents and the challenges foster kids endure is heartbreakingly accurate. I know because I am a foster kid.

I needed this movie on a deeply personal level. It made me feel seen, understood, and a little less alone in this increasingly complicated world. It's a beautifully balanced and profoundly pure piece of storytelling.

Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this film to life. It truly means so much.

Adam Elliot does it again, technically, but that's part of the problem. What felt fresh, funny, and genuinely moving in Harvie Krumpet and then Mary and Max is all kind of there in Memoir of a Snail, but nothing quite hit for me. I think it's the overwhelming, constant sadness that soon becomes numbing. You get a little comedic relief, but not as much as Elliot's other works, and what is comedic is more just mildly funny than surprisingly hilarious.

His visual style is still intact, but the way it was written was lacking. Characters come and go and fade out of focus, and yes, that's life for you, but something about it just didn't work here. It's all I've got as for explanation why this didn't really move me; that, plus the fact that it's very one-note emotionally for a feature-length film.

Sarah Snook's voice acting was also kind of bad, which is a shame because she narrates the whole thing. I get why they make her cry or express certain emotions in starkly realistic ways, but it didn't work for me with the way this looks. I liked the other voice performances though. The score was another thing I largely disliked, to be honest. It felt lazy compared to the animation.

It does still look visually striking, and it feels like there was a lot of passion gone into it on a technical front. That stops Memoir of a Snail from being bad, but I wish it had been as good as the director's prior films. If he can't top those while sticking with his schtick, I'd like to see him break out and do something different. The whole "outsider is isolated but perseveres the way they can while bad things happen and they make a few connections everything's kind of ugly" thing wore me out here, and makes me wonder if Elliot can do anything else.

This was technically good, but also disappointing considering the wait between films. I think I will forget about it quite quickly.

For the first time in a long while, I felt bored and distracted. The animation is essentially just a dark, unsettling narrative that drags you down emotionally. Its only apparent goal is to leave the audience feeling depressed and hopeless.

There are too many unnecessary sexual themes that add nothing to the story-they're just bizarre and out of place.

Nothing about it was funny. It's not a comedy.

To appreciate this animation, you'd likely need to be in a very dark place emotionally. It feels like something you'd watch after losing someone, as a way to remind yourself that you're not alone in experiencing pain.

For those not dealing with depression, watching this could easily bring their mood down. On the other hand, people already struggling with depression might find some comfort in knowing others share similar feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and confusion.

Ouch....this one really hits home with me.

After his masterpiece on Mary and Max, Adam Elliot comes back with another wonderful, beautiful, and humane animated movie that explores sibling bonding ship, hardships, complex life, and society.

Filled with weird but interesting claymation designs, Elliot approaches on the narrative, tone and atmosphere, on a more darker level compared to his previous work. Exploring the dark aspects of society, while still remaining joyful, touching and emotional. Elliot's approach to the animation, characters, and themes are well-explored and thus creating a great character study of a piece. Being focused more on the complex of society and how characters are forced to deal with their surroundings and environment.

Many of the voice performances are fantastic. As I mentioned, many of the characters are well-explored as you feel engaged with the characters and connect with them on an emotional level. What I love about Elliot's work is that he uses animation and character engagement in a unique way. Most animator's usually tend to focus on traditional approaches but Elliot explores more human and serious, as if this is what a real life experience is.

With the writing, the dialogue is great, the soundtrack is good, and many of the themes and emotional elements really hit hard. I haven't felt this emotionally connected with an animated movie since Wolfwalkers, where a movie I genuinely cared about the characters and really feel for them.

Unfortunately, I have a good feeling this movie won't be discussed a lot due to the heavy subject it explores and adult animation is rarely appreciated from the general medium. But, for sure, this is one of the best movies of 2024.

Definitely one of the best I've seen this year, it made me cry, laugh, get disgusted and fall in love. I couldn't ask for more, it's one of those movies that really gets stuck in your heart. The message was so well written that it stayed with me, many people may live in an invisible shell and it's such an important subject to talk about and so well conveyed that I appreciate all the effort to pull it off.

I am in love with stop motion art and the way that, despite using such a bizarre style, I end up seeing the beauty in each character.

Gracie and Gilbert I love you, Pinky I love you, you are the best character ever.

Without more to add, you can't miss this great story and by the way watch Mary and Max, you will cry some more.

Adam Elliot's Memoir of a Snail is... really derivative. Of his last big piece 'Mary & Max'. Dare I say there was not a single element or theme on display here that wasn't in 'Mary and Max'. It's like he broke up the M&M jigsaw puzzle and then put it back together again in a slightly new way. All the same pieces, different order of assembly. This really is not a bad thing if you haven't seen Mary and max, but it is one of my favorite films. It made memoir of a snail reek of unoriginality, and disingenuousness.

Talk that negativity being said... there is still that same charm here that's in other Adam Elliot projects. His style in and of itself is refreshing even if this film doesn't stand as a refreshed amongst his own. It is definitley with a watch.

"Memoir of a Snail" (2024) is a masterclass in storytelling, blending a compelling narrative with a unique and creative approach. The film takes what could have been a simple tale and elevates it through its intricate storytelling techniques and powerful execution.

The story is deeply engaging, unfolding with a perfect balance of tension, emotion, and intrigue. Its pacing allows the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the journey, with each scene carefully constructed to reveal new layers of the plot. The film doesn't rely on flashy effects or over-the-top drama but instead draws you in with its subtlety and depth.

The animations are really well crafted, capturing the essence of the story's setting and themes in a way that feels both intimate and grand. The performances are equally strong, with the cast delivering nuanced portrayals that bring the characters to life and enhance the narrative.

What truly sets Memoir of a Snail apart is its ability to weave together the elements of storytelling in a way that feels fresh and impactful. It's not just a story being told-it's an experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.

While not without minor flaws, such as a few slow moments or overly symbolic scenes, these are easily overshadowed by the film's overall brilliance.

'Memoir of a Snail' is Adam Elliot's second full-length stop-motion-animation film (15 years after the excellent 'Mary & Max'), and is another thoughtful, often-sad, sometimes funny, look at the life of a young girl, but this time they're twins - Grace (Snook) and Gilbert (Smit-McPhee). They suffer some tragedies and are forced to grow up in separate houses in Canberra and Perth.

Grace's backstory and her obsession with snails is done well, taking up most of the film, and while there's lots of depressing moments - and some odd/adult ones! - there's plenty of heart and silver-linings/hope that drives the story. Part of this is quirk Pinky (Weaver) and how she plays into the happy ending. I assume chunks of this film are inspired by Elliot's real life...

Great voice cast, with Eric Bana, Tony Armstrong, Magda Szubanski and Nick Cave too. The use of colour and texture of the Claymation is superb, with the detail exceptional, especially in the title scene. It's always fun and quirky to look at, with multiple things happening on the screen in every shot. Only 95min, but a near-lifetime is packed in, with plenty of touching moments.

What an emotional trip. I thought The wild Robot or Inside out 2 were already going strong for winning the Oscar for best animated film but Memoir of a Snail might just be the winner this year. It's so relatable to the human experience and just life itself. It's a really sad story but underneath that sadness there's so much more just like there's so many complex layers to our own journey. That movie could capture really well what it is to be human and to live in a word that can be ugly but also terrifically beautiful. I've never gone through so many emotion in barely 90 minutes from being angry, disgusted, devastated to laugh at some eccentricities of the movie, it's been a full ride without leaving a bad taste or an unsatisfied feeling. It's the most heartfelt emotional movie of the year, from the screenplay to the storyline nothing to say, we got our Oscar of the year hope they win. Thank you Adam for helping us get free of our shells!!

Definitely not one for under-18s. While technically the film is successful, the storyline isn't. The message of the premise may be philosophical, but it's too dark and gloomy for too long - right up to the end - for it to be recommendable. Lots of very adult themes are covered, including cults, torture and sadism. There are very few lighter moments even though I was hoping that there would be some glimmer of hope added to each depressing event. I was glad it wasn't any longer. The audience sat in stunned silence at the end. I was so glad to leave and get back to reality. Not what I want from cinema.

This is a work of bleak genius. As with all stop motion, there is a lot to take in, with each frame being handcrafted.

The careful thought that has gone into the story-line and script is self evident. The film feels autobiographical, as there is significant depth to the plot and writing.

The film itself is sepia toned, adding to the personal memory feeling. The sets are clearly thoroughly thought through, and develop as the film progresses - mirroring the story. It's worth looking closely at the scene backgrounds and, I suspect, on subsequent viewings, other elements may become obvious.

What will pass some markets by are the number of cultural references and subtleties - some very funny - which need careful observation.

In a number of respects this could be viewed as a depressing watch, but I think that is countered by its charm and humour. It's both delightful and thought provoking.