This film is almost impossible to talk about without disclosing both characters mental illnesses so if you'd consider that to be a spoiler stop reading now.
Memory is a drama that unbeknownst to me was released back in February but from my understanding only had a limited cinema run if at all.
It stars Jessica Chastain as Sylvia a social worker who after attending a high school reunion is followed home by Peter Sarsgaard's Saul.
Saul is suffering from Dementia and as is unfortunately the case with a lot of dementia sufferers he's become a burden to his brother who he lives with. His brother leads a busy work life and whilst she is initially hesitant Sylvia eventually agrees to look after Saul when she's not working her other job.
What I felt this film did a great job of getting across is how in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life when a family member has such an illness like dementia where they require care it's easy for the sufferer to start to feel less human.
This film shows Saul and his struggles but it also shows that he's still a human being who still has the cognitive ability to form relationships and be of use, he just requires extra care from time to time.
Sylvia on the other hand is a recovering alcoholic, the film explores the reason she started drinking but that would be going into spoiler territory. I will say though that although she's been sober for a long time she is still haunted by the events that unfolded in her past that lead her to start drinking.
The film whilst undoubtedly bleak in tone which is to be expected given the subject matter never has any images that are there purely to shock. Instead it's a very real take on how two people with their own individual struggles can find comfort in eachother.
I appreciated the films unique look at dementia and whilst it's certainly one you have to be in the right mindset for its worth watching if you get the chance.
