Memoir of a Snail: The Most Heartfelt Tragicomedy of 2024 

By Mushtaha Ahmed


Imagine spending eight years crafting two hours of on-screen magic — with Memoir of a Snail Adam Elliot has done just that. This claymation gem is far from the polished animations you scroll past on Netflix. It's raw, real, and brilliantly unique, earning award after award since its release in June 2024. Watching it was a surreal experience, and I was lucky enough to do so at the Dendy premier, attended by Oscar-winning director Adam Elliot himself, who brought along the clay model of Grace Elliot - the very character whose life story forms the heart of this masterpiece. 

Grace’s journey is nothing short of a rollercoaster, from childhood struggles to the challenges of adulthood. Memoir of a Snail brings you into her world so vividly that, for those two hours, you’re no longer just a viewer, you're part of her story. Get ready to cry, laugh (a lot), and leave the theatre with a heart full of hope. At its core, this film is about resilience and the power of keeping hope alive, no matter how tough life may get. 

A Love Letter to Canberra and WA (Warning: Minor Spoilers below) 

The film is set against the backdrop of Canberra and Western Australia (WA), and for those who know these places, there’s an extra level of joy in seeing them represented with such authenticity. Elliot joked that he might never be welcome back in WA after portraying its quirks so boldly! Watching this film in Canberra was a delight. There’s a playful nod to the city’s idiosyncrasies, with humour that only locals will fully appreciate. For once, Canberra isn’t just “that place near Sydney”, it’s the star of the show. 

Themes that Hit Hard 

While the film embraces the whimsical nature of clay animation, it doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult, deeply human issues. From body image to sexual identity, disability, and domestic abuse, Memoir of a Snail covers a spectrum of themes with honesty and depth. Each subject is approached with such empathy that, regardless of your background, you’ll find yourself seeing the world a little differently. 

The Art and Heart of Clay Animation 

One of the marvels of this film is the artistry in its animation. Every single movement is crafted by hand, frame by frame. Want to see a character walk across the screen? That’s days of work. Running? That’s practically a marathon for the animators! Even the characters’ design is creative—none of them have legs, an inventive workaround by Elliot. But despite this simplicity, the film sweeps you along through highs and lows that make you forget any limitations. You’ll walk away appreciating that your own lows aren’t as daunting as Grace’s, and that there are always brighter moments ahead. 

Critique and Acknowledgments 

A good review has to mention a few downsides, so here goes. Although the film is animated, some of the themes may not be suited for young children (something to remember if you’re tempted to bring little ones along). And while digital animations have mastered the art of facial expression, clay animation can’t quite match that level of finesse. Still, the attention to detail is awe-inspiring - Adam Elliot even mentioned that each strand of Grace’s hair was individually stitched! 

The supporting characters are memorable too, adding richness to the storyline. There are echoes of Elliot’s earlier works, but Memoir of a Snail still manages to feel fresh and profoundly original. Eight years of dedication from the filmmakers shine through, and if it takes another eight to make the next masterpiece, I’ll be first in line. 

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It 

Take a break from the daily grind and step into the remarkable world of Memoir of a Snail. This is not just a film, it’s an experience that stays with you. A tragicomedy that reminds you to find joy in the little things, laugh through the hard times, and hold on to hope no matter what. 

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And the animals were people – Kinds of Kindness and Dendy’s Return to 35mm