Memory | Review by: Gal Balaban

Memory is a simplistic film that asks big questions, such as how much can or should we protect our loved ones from making choices and mistakes on their own? What is the damage a parent does when they don't believe in their child's autonomy? It takes an unlikely romance but makes you care about it deeply.

Jessica Chastain, one of the world's most beloved movie stars, reminds us that even our biggest actors can play ordinary people who feel like they're grounded in our world. Her character is incredibly empathetic and her performance later reveals itself to be heart-shattering. Peter Sarsgaard gives career-best work in an incredibly vulnerable way, and you very much grow to care for his character and judge him less with Chastain's character as the movie goes on.

Michel Franco gives us a movie that often sticks with wide shots yet feels so incredibly intimate. This is all thanks to the chemistry of the two lead actors and the approach to the dynamics in Chastain's life, including her relationship with her daughter, as well as her sister who's played by Merritt Wever. It takes some time for the pieces of the story to come into place, but it'll linger with you after the credits roll.

Rating: 4/5

Review by: Gal Balaban

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