The Souvenir: Part II

The film will be rated approximately the same as The Souvenir, you either really appreciate the approach, really don't, or find some valuable insights and merits.

I did not see the films back to back, so was immediately put off by the way it delved into the aftermath of Anthony's death without any background. If it were a TV series no problem, but this is supposed to be an independent film. However this actually worked in exploring the here-absent Anthony from a different perspective, as a presence the character must endure/overcome in different ways: emotionally, sexually, artistically. The latter leads to more "arty" discussions that will certainly put off those who don't appreciate the vibe.

The grief of the main character is more believable here in the absence of Anthony as the relationship never really was convincing in the previous film. And the way she sublimates it in her art was very interesting, leading to baffled comments from her co-workers, colleagues and professors. The lead, however, remains in my mind a miscasting, although clearly under a lot of pressure (as a stand in at different levels for, basically, two strong women). However, as in The Souvenir, Part 2 will make much more sense for those with references/context than to a naive audience. Film is not life and vice versa, as is often stated.

The good: this movie has got quite a weird mix of a few, short intermittent scenes that are quite mesmirizing to watch, BUT...

The bad: the largest part of this movie is quite tedious to watch. Played by unknowns, directed by an unknown, who didnt rock the boat in any sort of way.

Not any good? Tilda Swinton has a small supporting role, really small.

This is much more "enjoyable" than its predecessor, and it's not solely because it doesn't contain the toxic Anthony. I felt so disappointed by the flat direction in the first film, and I was delighted to see more chances taken in this one. There is more life and color in Part II, and some meta moments were really quite surprising.

I think I enjoyed "The Souvenir Part II" even more than the first installment. I didn't actually enjoy the first one much while in the act of watching it, and it wasn't until days later, when I realized I couldn't stop thinking about it, that its specialness hit home. But it's still a frustrating experience to watch an entire movie about a woman letting a man treat her badly for two hours, even if that experience is a common one in the real world.

It's not really a spoiler to reveal that the man has died before the second episode begins, and that this film focuses on our heroine's attempts to work through her grief and insecurities by directing a student film. "The Souvenir Part II" is much more meta than the first one, and it's much more about the process of making a movie, which I find fascinating. This is one of the best movies about making movies I've ever seen. Think of it as a "Day for Night" for a student filmmaker.

Will there be a "Souvenir Part III?" If there is, count me in.

Grade: A.

"Souvenir, Part II" is even more elegant than "Souvenir". A tremendously proficient film, so proficient that there is no need for the first movie. Again for some the movie might be slow paced but once more there was no minute passing by where I felt uninterested. Loved the characters, the actors and especially the writing and the direction.

Hogg felt the need and had the means to make the lead-up film in its entirety before engaging with the events of Part II. Tilda shines as always and the story, directing, music and editing style are superb. And again Honor Swinton is the heart and soul of this film, her acting was as masterful as her mother's! And Richard Ayoade's turn as Patrick is exactly the kind of eccentric and charming character that the movie needed. You have to love him!

If you never heard of the first chapter, don´t worry. You will see how Julie dealt with the loss of her former lover. Souvenir Part II is an easy endorsement. Tilda, Honor and Richard will take you on a trip you will not forget.