Die-hard fans of Mary and Max, get ready—Adam 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 isn’t 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, he’s ready to blow us away again with a full-length tale that’s been meticulously crafted over the past eight years.
A Snail’s Pace for Perfection
Elliot’s latest project, Memoir of a Snail, may have been a long time coming, but the journey hasn’t 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 right—a 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, you’ll 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 doesn’t 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. He’s 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 Adults—Not 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 you’re wondering why Memoir of a Snail is generating buzz, it’s 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 Elliot’s return to the big screen is highly anticipated. Winning at Annecy, he notes, is crucial for receiving government funding in Australia—a process that’s always at the forefront of Elliot’s 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 Festival’s official competition, one thing’s for sure—Elliot’s long-awaited return was well worth the wait.
