Memoir of a Snail, directed by Adam Elliot, may appear whimsical at first glance with its quirky, stop-motion style and cute, ornamental characters, but don’t think for a second that it is for children. It quickly reveals itself as one of the darkest films of the year. Told primarily through the voice of Grace Pudel, an awkward and bookish misfit with a passion for collecting ornamental snails, that faces a series of misfortunes after being separated from her fiery twin brother, Gilbert. Her life takes a brighter turn when she befriends an eccentric, life-loving elderly woman named Pinky, who helps her find hope amidst the chaos.
The majority of Memoir of a Snail is narrated by Grace, with minimal spoken dialogue throughout, making the rare instances of actual conversation feel almost jarring when they occur. The narration drives the story, leaving much of the interaction and emotion to be conveyed visually. It may sometimes feel like a series of tragic events more than an actual story but the film keeps the audience engaged through its distinctive humor, blending macabre visual gags with absurdities. From a newspaper detailing about an Elvis-shaped potato chip to a character called Pinky due to losing her pinky on a dance sequence, Elliot injects (dark) humor into every frame.
Visually, Memoir of a Snail draws from both Burton’s eerie world and Aardman’s more playful character designs. The film’s darker themes are mirrored in the consistently gloomy skies that hang over Grace’s unfortunate life, contrasting with the slightly childish, whimsical characters. Though the stop-motion isn’t as fluid as recent Laika productions, the animation is still charming and expressive. The movie tackles various themes, but its focus on a religious subplot feels out of place and disrupts the pacing. The heavier moments in Grace’s life feel relentless, piling on misfortune after misfortune. At one point, her partner’s actions seem almost mild compared to the trauma she and her brother have already endured. A more gradual emotional escalation could have added depth, allowing the third act to land with greater emotional impact.
While Memoir of a Snail may falter in pacing and miss opportunities to let its emotional weight truly sink in, its nonstop humor and wonderfully odd designs make it an enjoyable, if not perfect, ride. For all its darkness, the film maintains a balance of quirkiness and depth that keeps it entertaining, despite its flaws.