Die-hard fans of Mary and Max, get readyโAdam Elliot is back, and he’s bringing his signature stop-motion magic with him. After 15 years, the visionary behind the 2009 Sundance hit Mary and Max is making his grand return to animated feature films with Memoir of a Snail, a deeply personal story centered on quirky, yet heartwarming characters. And if that isnโt enough excitement, the film is also in the official competition for Best Film at the prestigious 62nd BFI London Film Festival.
Though fans have been patiently waiting for a new feature since 2009, Elliot didn’t disappear entirely. He made the charming short film Ernie Biscuit in 2015. But now, heโs ready to blow us away again with a full-length tale thatโs been meticulously crafted over the past eight years.
A Snailโs Pace for Perfection
Elliotโs latest project, Memoir of a Snail, may have been a long time coming, but the journey hasnโt been without its challenges. In a recent interview, Elliot explained how the COVID-19 pandemic delayed production, forcing the process to stretch over 15 years. Known for his perfectionism, Elliot revealed that he penned 16 drafts of the script before it felt rightโa testament to his commitment to storytelling.
At the heart of this film is Grace Pudel, a lonely woman with a peculiar passion for collecting ornamental snails. Voiced by the incredible Sarah Snook, Grace is surrounded by a stellar cast, including Jacki Weaver and Kodi Smit-McPhee. And for those nostalgic about Mary and Max, youโll be thrilled to know that Eric Bana has reunited with Elliot for this project, lending his voice once again.
Balancing Dark Themes with Humor
Memoir of a Snail doesnโt shy away from tackling tough subjects. Homophobia, religion, and suicide are woven into the narrative, much like the dark yet touching elements that fans adored in Mary and Max. Elliot has always had a knack for balancing these heavy themes with moments of humor, a skill he continues to refine in this new film. Heโs fully aware of the emotional rollercoaster his stories can bring, but as he points out, making these topics accessible without losing depth is key to his work.
Animation for AdultsโNot Just Kids
Elliot, like Guillermo del Toro, firmly believes that animation is a medium, not a genre. While most assume animated films are for children, Memoir of a Snail proves otherwise. Adult animation remains a core focus for Elliot, and fans of his previous work will once again find themselves wrapped up in a world where stop-motion puppets tackle real-life struggles, wrapped in layers of both lighthearted and poignant moments.
From Annecy to BFI London Film Festival
If youโre wondering why Memoir of a Snail is generating buzz, itโs because the film had its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024. Now, it’s competing for Best Film at the 62nd BFI London Film Festival, where Elliotโs return to the big screen is highly anticipated. Winning at Annecy, he notes, is crucial for receiving government funding in Australiaโa process thatโs always at the forefront of Elliotโs mind as an independent filmmaker.
For fans of Mary and Max, Memoir of a Snail promises the return of everything you adore about Adam Elliot: heartfelt, complex stories brought to life through beautiful, painstakingly crafted stop-motion animation. As Memoir of a Snail gears up for its Australian release on 17 October 2024, and with its place in the BFI London Film Festivalโs official competition, one thingโs for sureโElliotโs long-awaited return was well worth the wait.