MEMOİR OF A SNAİL

 A Film by Adam Elliot: “Memoirs of a Snail”

For anyone who has seen Adam Elliot’s previous masterpiece Mary and Max, there was no hesitation in buying tickets for his latest work, Memoirs of a Snail. Animation films, for many, are synonymous with colorful, cute, and entertaining stories. However, Elliot’s distinctive and sharp style sets him apart from traditional animation filmmakers. Even catching a glimpse of the film’s poster is often enough to identify his unique touch.

Elliot’s style refuses to beautify or sugarcoat life’s struggles by wrapping them in charm. Instead, he presents pain, grief, and trauma in their raw form, helping viewers confront the unsettling realities of life. This unflinching approach keeps the audience grounded in the poignant stillness of reality.

The film’s title may initially lead viewers to believe it is a story about snails. However, snails are used as a metaphor throughout the film. The protagonist, Grace, has a fondness for snails, but the deeper meaning behind their inclusion becomes increasingly apparent as the story unfolds. Snails always move forward, never retracing their path, symbolizing how life progresses and how our past experiences, like a snail’s trail, remain as indelible marks. Yet, the film reminds us that while these marks linger, embracing new experiences is essential.

The snail’s protective shell also serves as a metaphor for the walls people build around themselves to shield their inner world from life’s harsh winds. Much like a snail’s shell, these walls provide a sense of safety. However, this cocoon often becomes a trap, leaving us isolated with our unresolved traumas, unable to reach out for help. Elliot’s use of the snail metaphor is profound and deeply thought-provoking, encouraging viewers to reflect on the complexities of healing and growth.

The story begins with Grace reflecting on her life following the death of her close friend, who leaves her with valuable advice. As Grace delves into her memories, we witness the many moments that shaped her and the reasons she built her protective “shell.” Grace and her twin brother, Gilbert, lose their mother during childbirth, forcing them to cling to each other as they navigate a life shaped by loss. Raised by a father battling his own inner demons, the twins grow up in a household shadowed by alcoholism and trauma. Despite his frailty and dependence, their father remains their primary caregiver.

The books the siblings read during their upbringing are heavy with meaning, and their sunless home becomes a space where they try to be each other’s light. However, their father’s death separates the twins, placing them in entirely different foster families and leaving them yearning for one another. As the film poignantly states, “Losing your soul twin is like losing an eye—you’ll never see the world the same again.” This line encapsulates the anguish of longing for someone who shares your essence.

The families Grace and Gilbert are sent to are not chosen arbitrarily; they reflect broader societal issues. Through these families, the film explores themes such as the perversion of sexuality, the ignorance bred by certain religious communities, and the challenges of living in a fractured world. These societal elements contribute to the instability of the ground beneath us, making life an increasingly difficult place to navigate.

As losses pile up in Grace’s life, her pain evolves into something more profound than tears—it becomes a weight on her soul. The film underscores that for those who have experienced loss, each new grief feels as raw and intense as the first, reinforcing the notion that death is the one inescapable and unfathomable truth of existence.

Throughout Grace’s darkest nights, the full moon shining through her window remains a constant, glowing with the same brilliance and majesty despite the tragedies in her life. Viewers will likely find themselves empathizing deeply with Grace, feeling her pain resonate within their own souls. For those grappling with their own struggles, the film suggests finding solace in the vastness of the sky. Whether or not you see the moon, the stars and the infinity of the cosmos may provide a breath of comfort.

To those planning to watch the film, I wish you a profound and moving experience. Stay with art, stay well.