Memory is my favorite of Michel Franco's directed films and honestly my favorite movie of 2023 overall. It gets everything right about the nuances of dealing with people who have had trauma in their past (Jessica Chastain) and trauma in their current life (Peter Sarsgaard) that keeps them from being the complete people they want to be. To say trauma might be an understatement for what these characters have been though, and together they might actually be the only ones who are able to heal each other. The story is full of twists and surprises and i really did not know what to expect next, I rarely say this but don't read spoilers on this one as its quite good with all the reveals.
Though it has a short 1 hour and 40 minute running lime, it is a perfect length and never drags; it feels truly lived in and real. All the cinematography is invisible and the settings they use to create the atmosphere and climates of the characters are perfect to match. Supporting cast is perfect, everyone gives 'just enough to make it a true ensemble: Merrit Wever is perfectly cast as Sylvia's sister, who always supports her despite her strange (to most people around her) behavior; her mother played by Jessica Harper is the exact opposite. Brooke Timber as the daughter Anna has a more subtle role to play, slowly realizing the depth of her mother's trauma. Where so many other movies of the year try to have this kind of out-there style, excess running times, and flashy storytelling and sublime meaning, Franco makes a movie that tells a simple story and gives us all hope for humanity. It is a reminder that sometimes all you need is a well told, well-acted, well directed movie to make the biggest emotional impact.
Though it has a short 1 hour and 40 minute running lime, it is a perfect length and never drags; it feels truly lived in and real. All the cinematography is invisible and the settings they use to create the atmosphere and climates of the characters are perfect to match. Supporting cast is perfect, everyone gives 'just enough to make it a true ensemble: Merrit Wever is perfectly cast as Sylvia's sister, who always supports her despite her strange (to most people around her) behavior; her mother played by Jessica Harper is the exact opposite. Brooke Timber as the daughter Anna has a more subtle role to play, slowly realizing the depth of her mother's trauma. Where so many other movies of the year try to have this kind of out-there style, excess running times, and flashy storytelling and sublime meaning, Franco makes a movie that tells a simple story and gives us all hope for humanity. It is a reminder that sometimes all you need is a well told, well-acted, well directed movie to make the biggest emotional impact.