Memoir of a Snail by Adam Elliot [8/10]

I recall thinking before watching Harvie Krumpet (2003) and Mary and Max (2009) that claymation animation was bound to bore. In both cases, instead, I was enthralled, but that lesson failed me again recently when I saw Adam Elliot’s new film, Memoir of a Snail. Again I groaned at the prospect but again, it only took ten minutes of this sad, sad film for captivation to set in. The storyline involves the hardships of Grace (sublimely voiced by Sarah Snook) and her twin brother Gilbert. After the early deaths of their parents, they are split up and are raised (read: tormented) by terrible foster parents. Grace ends up alone, obese, and, when her best friend Pinky (Jacki Weaver in fine voice) dies, testifying her life story to her pet snail. The plot revolves around the question of whether Grace will ever find hope but the real joys of the film are the in the brilliant animation, a distinctive score, and the beautifully scripted dialogue. Memoir of a Snail will subdue any prejudices you might retain about this seemingly clunky form of animation, even as it makes you laugh and cry.