The Souvenir: Part II
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 29, 2021
Genre
Drama
Cast & Crew
- Honor Swinton Byrne as Julie Harte
- Tilda Swinton as Rosalind Harte
- Richard Ayoade as Patrick
- Ariane Labed as Garance
- Charlie Heaton as Jim
- Harris Dickinson as Pete
Director
Joanna Hogg
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Souvenir (2019)
- Exhibition (2013)
- Unrelated (2007)
Producer
Joanna Hogg, Ed Guiney, Emma Norton, Luke Schiller
Writer
Joanna Hogg
Budget
$2 million (estimated)
Production Company
BBC Films, BFI, A24, Element Pictures
Running Time
106 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Mature themes
- Some strong language
- Brief sexual content
- Emotional distress
Movie Story
“The Souvenir: Part II” is the follow-up to Joanna Hogg’s critically acclaimed 2019 film “The Souvenir.” It continues the semi-autobiographical story of Julie Harte (Honor Swinton Byrne), a young filmmaker navigating the aftermath of a devastating relationship. The sequel picks up where the first film left off, exploring Julie’s journey of self-discovery as she attempts to make sense of her past and channel her experiences into her art.
Julie, still reeling from the traumatic end of her relationship with Anthony, is determined to use her grief and confusion as fuel for her creative process. As she embarks on making her graduation film, she finds herself grappling with the complexities of translating her emotions into art. The film within the film becomes a reflection of Julie’s inner turmoil, blending fiction and reality as she strives to understand her identity and her place in the world.
The story delves into Julie’s evolving relationships with those around her, including her mother Rosalind (played by Honor Swinton Byrne’s real-life mother, Tilda Swinton), her classmates, and her mentors. As Julie grows as an artist, she begins to confront the power dynamics, emotional manipulations, and societal expectations that shaped her previous experiences. The film is a deeply personal exploration of grief, memory, and the creative process, offering a nuanced portrayal of a young woman’s struggle to find her voice.
Special Effects
“The Souvenir: Part II” is grounded in realism, focusing on intimate character interactions and the subtleties of emotion rather than relying on special effects. The film’s cinematography and production design create a vivid, immersive world that captures the aesthetic of 1980s London, enhancing the authenticity of Julie’s journey.
Box Office Performance
“The Souvenir: Part II” had a limited theatrical release and was praised for its thoughtful storytelling and strong performances, particularly by Honor Swinton Byrne. While its niche appeal and art-house sensibilities limited its box office performance, it received widespread critical acclaim and solidified Joanna Hogg’s reputation as a master of introspective, character-driven cinema.
Filming Locations
- London, England, UK
Notable Quotes
- “How do you make something real from all this?” – Julie
- “Art is not about finding the answers; it’s about asking the questions.” – Patrick
Behind-the-Scenes
Joanna Hogg drew heavily on her own experiences as a young filmmaker in the 1980s for both “The Souvenir” and “The Souvenir: Part II.” The film’s structure, blending Julie’s personal and creative journeys, mirrors Hogg’s own reflections on memory and artistic expression. The collaboration between Hogg and Honor Swinton Byrne was integral to the film’s authenticity, with Byrne’s understated performance anchoring the narrative.
Awards
- Nominated for 5 British Independent Film Awards, including Best Director and Best Screenplay
- Won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress (Tilda Swinton)
Final Verdict
“The Souvenir: Part II” is a masterful continuation of Julie Harte’s story, offering a poignant and introspective look at the process of healing through art. Joanna Hogg’s direction is both delicate and powerful, capturing the nuances of grief, memory, and self-discovery with sensitivity and depth. Honor Swinton Byrne delivers a remarkable performance, bringing Julie’s emotional journey to life with quiet intensity. This film is a must-see for those who appreciate deeply personal, reflective cinema that challenges and engages its audience.
IMDb Rating
7.4/10