Annecy Winner ‘Memoir of a Snail’ Gets U.S. Release Date From IFC Films (EXCLUSIVE)

As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for stop-motion animation and poignant storytelling, I am thrilled about the upcoming release of “Memoir of a Snail.” Having grown up watching the intricate artistry of stop-motion films like “Coraline” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” I’ve developed an affinity for the time, patience, and creativity that goes into bringing these worlds to life.


Adam Elliot’s Academy Award-winning animated film “Memoir of a Snail,” produced by IFC Films, is set to debut in the US on October 25 for a limited release. The intriguing stop-motion adult drama took approximately ten years to bring to life and will expand to more theaters throughout November.

The movie tells the story of Grace Puddle, an introverted woman with a fondness for decorative snails and a strong affection for romantic novels, who feels isolated in her world. Her life takes a disappointing turn when she’s forcibly separated from her twin brother at a tender age. However, against all odds, Grace remains resilient and discovers newfound strength through her friendship with Pinky, an unconventional elderly lady. With Pinky’s guidance, Grace begins to embrace her unique qualities and opens herself up to the possibility of love.

Elliot’s second animation project after “Mary and Max” (premiered at Sundance in 2009), which gained critical acclaim, is titled “Memoir of a Snail.” Elliot is once again the writer and director for this heartwarming production. Notable actors lend their voices to the film, including Emmy winner Sarah Snook from “Succession,” Oscar nominees Kodi Smit-McPhee from “The Power of the Dog” and Jacki Weaver from “Animal Kingdom.” Additionally, Eric Bana, known for his role in “Munich,” and renowned musician/composer Nick Cave join the cast.

At the Annecy Film Festival in June, the movie had its debut and was met with great acclaim, earning it the esteemed Cristal Award for best feature film. This marked a double victory for Elliot, who previously won this distinguished accolade.

Peter Debruge, the leading film critic at EbMaster’s, commended the film for its “unexpectedly emotional and somber storytelling style.” He noted that, similar to Edward Gorey, the movie’s color palette is mostly monochromatic. Additionally, the characters often address the camera directly, reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s films, giving an air of solemnity akin to old school photos. Lastly, Peter found the film’s humor, which was reminiscent of John Waters’, to be offbeat and inclusive of various taboo subjects, such as disabilities and unconventional sexual preferences.

Using wit, warmth, and great care in creating their fantastical universe, Elliot and his exceptional voice actors bring the story of a shy outcast discovering self-assurance to life.

Collaborating with Liz Kearney, the film is adorned with enchanting music composed by Elena Kats-Chernin. “Memoir of a Snail” is one of IFC Films’ contenders for the upcoming awards, alongside “The Devil’s Bath,” which falls under their Shudder label and intends to represent Austria in the forthcoming Oscars.

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2024-07-18 19:16