Memory, the first American drama from Mexican auteur Michel Franco tells a story of connection, loss, and yes, memory. Featuring wonderful performances from Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgard as Silvia and Saul, the film begins when Silvia goes to her high school reunion. When Saul follows her home after she leaves early, she finds him cold and soaking wet outside her front porch the next morning. This chance and unlikely encounter opens both characters up to parts of the world they previously closed off. Both of them deal with an ailment because of their memories and that connection starts to bring them together, even as their families cast doubt on the healthiness of their relationship.
Memory is a subtle drama that is patiently handled and controlled by the actors. Many scenes play out in long static takes, reminiscent of David Leigh’s work in Secrets and Lies. That film also shares the same kind of stakes as this film as Saul and Silvia discover more about each other (and themselves). Over time, they form a strong bond, which is beautifully realized through the grounded acting of its leads. The pacing of the film is deliberately slow, allowing us to take up space in the heads of Silvia and Saul who both carry their own burdens. The rest of the cast is also engaging and they continually present the small conflicts and obstacles that move the story along and deepen the on-screen relationships in an empathetic and very human manner. Memory is about where we can find love and connection in unexpected places and the lengths that we’re willing to go against what seems logical and practical for those we love.
Memory is now playing at TIFF ’23. For more information, click here.
