🏆 Memoir of a Snail (2024) – An Animated Journey Through Grief and Resilience

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)

Released 10-17-2024

Watched 02-08-2025

Reviewed 02-09-2025

Watched on AMC+

"I have a question. Do you believe in magic?"

Australia’s Memoir of a Snail stands out in the 2024 Academy Award race for Best Animated Feature—not just for its artistry but for being a rare adult stop-motion film in a category often dominated by family-friendly fare. This tragicomedy, directed by Adam Elliot, delves into profound and difficult themes such as depression, death, abuse, abandonment, and loneliness. While its unique visual storytelling is commendable, its heavy subject matter makes for a challenging and, at times, overwhelming viewing experience.

At the heart of the film is Grace Puddle, an introverted woman whose life is chronicled through her perspective and deep attachment to collecting snail shells. As she navigates childhood trauma, the loss of loved ones, and a string of hardships, the film uses snails as a potent metaphor for resilience, isolation, and slow healing. While the story is sprinkled with moments of dark humor, it remains an emotional journey that doesn’t shy away from the bleak realities of life.

The animation itself is stunning. The handcrafted stop-motion style, reminiscent of Elliot’s previous work (Mary and Max), adds an intimacy and rawness that CGI could never replicate. The meticulous character designs and muted color palette effectively enhance the melancholic tone, making Memoir of a Snail feel tactile and deeply personal.

However, despite its artistic excellence, the film’s pacing and tone can be draining. While its exploration of trauma is impactful, it often lingers in despair, making it hard to fully engage without feeling emotionally exhausted. This is not a movie designed to uplift or entertain in the traditional sense—rather, it’s an introspective piece that demands patience and an appreciation for somber storytelling.

For audiences expecting an animated feature in the vein of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio or Anomalisa, this film will find its audience. However, for those who associate animation with escapism, Memoir of a Snail may be too unrelenting in its sadness. Its Academy Award nomination is well-deserved for its craftsmanship and bold storytelling, but whether an adult stop-motion film can take home the prize remains to be seen.

Ultimately, Memoir of a Snail earns a 3-star rating for its technical brilliance and thematic depth, but its emotional heaviness makes it a tough watch. It is a film worth experiencing for those interested in animation as a serious art form, but one that may not resonate widely beyond that niche.