Winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes 2022. NYT Critic’s Pick.
Apichatpong Weerasethakul is the director who brought us the mesmerizing Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall Past Lives and Tropical Malady, but with Memoria we move from the Southeast Asian jungles to the lush Andean mountains, zones of magic, where the modern distinction between myth and fact does not apply. By contrast, the urban spaces are depicted as sleek and institutional, places ruled by science and technology. Tilda Swinton’s character is hearing a sound that no one else can hear. What exactly is this sound and why does it haunt her so, apart from her growing realization that she may be the only one who can hear it? She goes on a journey to find its source, or its meaning. Along the way, we pause to contemplate the remnants of ancient civilizations and the chaos of modern life. Every scene unfolds with quiet, meticulous clarity, but Weerasethakul’s luminous precision only deepens the mystery. Sound has always been a crucial element in Weerasethakul’s films — veritable symphonies of rushing water, chattering wildlife, and soaring Thai pop — asking us to listen, not just to look. ~OY
Note: The distributor Neon devised an experimental release strategy for Memoria. Their idea is for the movie to play exclusively and eternally on the big screen, one theater and one city at a time; it will never be made available on DVD or home-streaming platforms. Seize your opportunity to witness this modern marvel.