Memoria

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 15, 2021 (Limited Release)

Genre
Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

Cast & Crew

• Tilda Swinton as Jessica Holland
• Elkin Díaz as Hernán Bedoya
• Jeanne Balibar as Agnes Cerkinsky
• Juan Pablo Urrego as Mateo
• Daniel Giménez Cacho as Juan Ospina

Director
Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010)
• Cemetery of Splendor (2015)
• Tropical Malady (2004)

Producer
Diana Bustamante, Julio Chavezmontes, Tessa Dunning, Charles de Meaux

Writer
Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Budget
$3 million (estimated)

Production Company
Kick the Machine, Burning, Piano, Match Factory Productions

Running Time
136 minutes

Languages
English, Spanish

Maturity Rating
Not Rated (NR)

Content Advisory

• Mature themes
• Some disturbing images
• Minimal language

Movie Story
Memoria is a contemplative and enigmatic drama that delves into the themes of memory, existence, and the metaphysical. The film follows Jessica Holland, a British expatriate living in Colombia, who is suddenly awakened by a strange and unidentifiable sound that seems to emanate from deep within the earth. The sound becomes an obsession for Jessica as she travels through the lush landscapes of Colombia, trying to understand its origin and meaning.

Her journey takes her from bustling urban settings to remote, almost mystical locations, as she encounters various characters who help her piece together the puzzle. Among them is Hernán Bedoya, a local fisherman who shares a deep connection with the natural world, and Agnes Cerkinsky, an archaeologist who offers a scientific perspective on Jessica’s experience.

As Jessica’s exploration deepens, the film becomes less about solving the mystery of the sound and more about her internal journey, reflecting on the nature of memory, reality, and consciousness. Memoria is characterized by its deliberate pacing, long takes, and a focus on ambient sound, creating an immersive experience that challenges the viewer to engage with the film on a sensory and philosophical level.

The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, with moments that blur the line between reality and dream, leaving much open to interpretation. Tilda Swinton delivers a meditative performance as Jessica, anchoring the film with her portrayal of a woman seeking understanding in a world that seems both familiar and alien.

Special Effects
The film uses minimal special effects, relying instead on sound design and naturalistic cinematography to create its eerie and otherworldly atmosphere. The sound design, in particular, plays a crucial role in the narrative, with the mysterious noise acting as a central element that drives Jessica’s journey. The subtle visual effects are seamlessly integrated into the film, enhancing its ethereal quality.

Box Office Performance
Memoria was released in a unique distribution strategy, with only one 35mm print touring the United States on a “never-ending” roadshow, ensuring the film could only be seen in theaters and never released on streaming platforms. This approach garnered attention and praise from cinephiles, though it limited the film’s commercial reach. Despite this, Memoria received critical acclaim for its bold artistic choices and thought-provoking themes.

Filming Locations

• Bogotá, Colombia
• Pijao, Quindío, Colombia

Notable Quotes

• “I feel like I’m connected to something… but I don’t know what it is.” – Jessica Holland
• “The sound… it’s like a memory from another life.” – Hernán Bedoya

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Apichatpong Weerasethakul is known for his distinct cinematic style, characterized by slow pacing, spiritual themes, and a deep connection to nature. Memoria continues his exploration of the boundaries between reality and the surreal. The film’s unique sound design was meticulously crafted to reflect the central theme of memory and its resonance, both literally and metaphorically.

Awards

• Won the Jury Prize at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival
• Nominated for Best International Feature at the 2021 Gotham Awards

Final Verdict
Memoria is a challenging yet rewarding film that defies conventional narrative structure in favor of an immersive, sensory experience. Tilda Swinton’s performance, combined with Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s visionary direction, makes for a film that invites viewers to ponder the mysteries of existence and memory. While its slow pace and abstract storytelling may not appeal to all audiences, those who appreciate experimental cinema will find Memoria a haunting and profound journey.

IMDb Rating
6.7/10