Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Adult themes in darkly comic, moving animated drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Memoir of a Snail
What's the Story?
In MEMOIR OF A SNAIL, Grace Pudel (voiced by Sarah Snook) and her twin brother, Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee), are separated after a series of tragic events. As she moves through life, Grace longs for the moment she'll be reunited with Gilbert, spending her days collecting snails and hanging out with an eccentric woman named Pinky (Jacki Weaver).
Is It Any Good?
It's been 15 years since Australian writer-director Adam Elliot's last feature-length stop-motion animation, Mary and Max, which was loved by both audiences and critics. As such, Elliot's return, with Memoir of a Snail, has been highly anticipated, and he delivers emphatically. Tonally and stylistically similar to his previous film, this film sees Elliot once again blend stop-motion animation with a droll, dark take on life. The result is both moving and tragic, yet it also embraces life's quirks and absurdities. Elliot has a remarkable ability to portray life in a somber way while still maintaining a sense of optimism. In Memoir of a Snail, he tackles tough topics like alcoholism, loneliness, grief, and hoarding, but his message is clear: Life can be awful at times, but it's important to keep on going—even if it's at a snail's pace.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the use of stop-motion animation in Memoir of a Snail. Were you surprised by some of the themes explored in a movie that uses this filming technique? If so, why do you think that was?
How did Grace cope with some of the things that happened to her? What character strengths did she show?
What did the movie have to say about alcohol and alcohol dependence?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 25, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : November 27, 2024
- Cast : Sarah Snook , Kodi Smit-McPhee , Jacki Weaver
- Director : Adam Elliot
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : IFC Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, nudity and some violent content
- Awards : Academy Award - Animated Feature Nominee , Common Sense Selection , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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