55. Memory; movie review
MEMORY
Cert 15
99 mins
BBFC advice: Contains child sexual abuse references
Jessica Chastain; two words which guarantee that a movie is worth watching.
Her catalogue of awards is a testament to her energy, guile and range and she brings all of those attributes to Michel Franco's Memory.
She is complemented by Peter Sarsgaard, who plays a much more low-key character but is equally effective.
However, Memory isn't wholly satisfying despite these impressive contributions, and its finale is frustrating.
Chastain plays Sylvia, a reformed alcoholic who has been sober for 13 years.
She has a job at an adult day care centre, lives in an apartment with her daughter (Alexis Rae Forlenza) and avoids social scenes that could prompt relapse.
However, memories of her horrific past are triggered when she is followed home by a bearded stranger (Sarsgaard).
Initially, she fears that he is a threat but she warms to him when she discovers he has early-onset dementia.
As a result, a highly complex relationship begins, much to the disquiet of the families helping them through their respective illnesses.
Memory has several qualities - not least how Sylvia gradually opens up about past trauma and is forced to face it head-on.
Meanwhile, Sarsgaard's character, Saul, tries to resist the strict structure his brother has created to keep him safe.
The pair are compelling but the underlying problem for Franco is that there are no easy resolutions for them.
Consequently, the finale isn't satisfying, and questions linger.
Memory is in UK and Irish cinemas from February 23.
Reasons to watch: Jessica Chastain, as always
Reasons to avoid: Seeps away
Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: Very briefly
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Did you know? A 19-year-old man in China is the youngest person ever to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The case, presented in the Journal for Alzheimer's Disease stated that he began experiencing gradual memory loss and difficulty concentrating at the age of 17.
The final word. Jessica Chastian: "My biggest wake-up call was my very first day of shooting. I showed up in Brooklyn and went to the set. Michel shoots in chronological order, so it was the AA meeting [that opens the movie]. I walked in and met these people and I realized it was an actual AA meeting." The Wrap
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