Memory

This film is almost impossible to talk about without disclosing both characters mental illnesses so if you'd consider that to be a spoiler stop reading now.

Memory is a drama that unbeknownst to me was released back in February but from my understanding only had a limited cinema run if at all.

It stars Jessica Chastain as Sylvia a social worker who after attending a high school reunion is followed home by Peter Sarsgaard's Saul.

Saul is suffering from Dementia and as is unfortunately the case with a lot of dementia sufferers he's become a burden to his brother who he lives with. His brother leads a busy work life and whilst she is initially hesitant Sylvia eventually agrees to look after Saul when she's not working her other job.

What I felt this film did a great job of getting across is how in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life when a family member has such an illness like dementia where they require care it's easy for the sufferer to start to feel less human.

This film shows Saul and his struggles but it also shows that he's still a human being who still has the cognitive ability to form relationships and be of use, he just requires extra care from time to time.

Sylvia on the other hand is a recovering alcoholic, the film explores the reason she started drinking but that would be going into spoiler territory. I will say though that although she's been sober for a long time she is still haunted by the events that unfolded in her past that lead her to start drinking.

The film whilst undoubtedly bleak in tone which is to be expected given the subject matter never has any images that are there purely to shock. Instead it's a very real take on how two people with their own individual struggles can find comfort in eachother.

I appreciated the films unique look at dementia and whilst it's certainly one you have to be in the right mindset for its worth watching if you get the chance.

Whilst the subject matter here is quite interesting, the execution isn't especially. "Sylvia" (Jessica Chastain) is working in the social care system whilst bringing up her daughter "Anna" (Brooke Taylor). Her life, as effectively illustrated by her door locking and burglar alarm routine each day, is a structured affair with little variation. She has a strong relationship with her sister but is completely estranged from her mother. The two women attend a school reunion one night and, leaving early, she is followed home. It's a miserable night and next morning she discovers him asleep outside her door. Inspecting his wallet, she discovers his identity and calls his brother "Isaac" (Josh Charles) who explains that "Saul" (Peter Sarsgaard) has memory issues. Was he stalking her or is there more to this rather meandering scenario? Chastain does work quite well, but I found the story seemed to randomly inject way too many "incidents" along the way that seemed designed to enliven or empower the plot. Many seemed a little too disaster-scenario prone and are used to enhance purely for dramatic purposes. The culminating scenes lacked plausibility and at times the whole thing came across as little better than an A-list soap opera. Coincidence underpins just a bit too much of the film and the delivery of information about the characters to the audience is all delivered in just too sporadically a fashion. I felt sorry for just about everyone involved, but I didn't feel particularly engaged.

What is a film? To me it's an experience that you view through your own experiences. Life's not easy. Not perfect. Many times it's hard. Things happen to you that you didn't deserve and it leaves scars in your heart and emotions.

This film is about that very thing. Damaged people. Like all of us in our own way. Damaged trying to get thru this world with less pain. This is why I love this movie. It's just a subtle, raw view into pain and trauma and the little glimpses of hope. Of peace. Of love. It's hard for a lot of people out there.

So if you want to see an artistic film about this subject with no score, no gimmicks and some of the most vulnerable acting I've seen. This is for you.

One trigger warning: if you've dealt with sexual assault on any level this may be hard to watch.

It's a drama of two persons with damaged memories seeking solace. The film is set in New York City in the early 2000s. Sylvia (Jessica Chastain) is a single mom who is overly protective of her 12-13-year-old daughter, Anna (Brooke Timber). Sylvia, an alcoholic who has been sober for 12 years, relates to her younger sister, Olivia (Merritt Wever), but is estranged from her mother, Samantha (Jessica Harper). The viewer soon learns of Sylvia's memories of abuse as a pre-teen.

Saul (Peter Sarsgaard) lives with his brother, Issac (Josh Charles). Saul's wife died some time ago. He has early-onset dementia that displays in unusual ways. Sylvia and Saul encounter each other at a reunion at the high school they both attended.

The film follows their improbable relationship that evolves despite a very rocky start. Their families react in different ways to what they observe in the relationship, and the ending is, in my mind, ambiguous.

Chastain is marvelous in her character. Sarsgaard is good, but the nature of his role makes for a relatively narrow personality. The role of Anna seems a tad unrealistic, but Timber plays it well. I found the film's editing to be superb. And I've always loved the Procul Harum song, "A Whiter Shade of Pale," that repeats as a theme throughout. Although the story feels improbable, I loved it.

Story of the encounter of two lonely, battered souls, searching for love, peace, acceptance and meaning in life. Told with class, cleverly avoiding cheap sentimentalism, treating viewers as intelligent breed. Scenes are woven together so that story runs smoothly, lightning is beautiful. Jessica is on top form, acting with her usual style, persuasion and expressing just what the story needs. Sarsgaard gets under your skin with ease and charm. Merrit Wever is again persuading with her detachment and minimalism, reasons revealed at the end.

Movie that touches you deep, connects and lets you leave the theatre grateful for what it gives you. Highly recommended.