I love the notion behind 'Memory box,' that of a large collaborative space where performers can reenact the beloved memories of paying clientele. This basic premise opens up a world of storytelling possibilities, and any number of directions that even a 10-minute short could take. Writer Audrey Ewell and co-director Aaron Aites went with a clever angle I admit I didn't anticipate.
The sets and filming locations are choice, successfully imparting the notion that the company offering these services has a large operation out of a substantial complex. Editing furthers the concept by showing how a performed memory may be lived out in the moment for a customer, and dialogue from a manager and the employees boosts the realism as it conveys believable circumstances under which the scenes are enacted. These elements aptly build the root idea of 'Memory box' into what feels like a complete whole without being heavy-handed in presentation as obvious exposition, or in any way detracting from the narrative. Overall I'm initially inclined to regard the short with slightly less favor, but the care taken in the writing to this end bolsters its credibility.
Star Mackenzie Davis, ever a beacon of life and nuance wherever she may appear, stars as Isabelle, a young woman working in the company as an actor. There is a measure of nervous unease in the protagonist's quiet confidence that Davis carries deftly, with all the natural grace of a veteran. It's a joy to watch her here, as always. As the scene changes from Isabelle's work to her home, I had a particular idea in mind of the turn that would unfold, but Ewell surprised me with a different approach that's even more intriguing. Davis holds Isabelle close with a very, very subtle betrayal of thrown expectations as the final moments conclude. It's a delicately arranged minor twist, upsetting whatever thought we had of Isabelle previously, that is set up by flashes of a mere few frames between beginning and end - so purposefully fine and slight in its construction that one will miss it if they're not paying attention. I'm so pleased with how dexterously this culmination is handled.
It's a great credit to all involved that the short can linger in our thoughts so much after watching. On the surface there's not much to 'Memory box,' but the payoff is in the details of its writing, performances, and direction, and its thoughtful, refined craft generally. There's a caveat that the punch of the feature is discreet and underhanded, and therefore perhaps less enjoyable for a broad general audience. Nonetheless, I quite like 'Memory box,' and highly recommend it as a quick watch.
