By Mr. Will Wong
Writer/Director Michel Franco (Sundown) returns to TIFF with his latest effort, MEMORY, a beautiful story about two broken souls who come together under unlikely circumstances.
Silvia (Jessica Chastain) is working on staying sober, raising her teenage daughter and her dayjob at an adult daycare. After joining her sister (Merritt Wever) at a high school reunion, she sees Saul (Peter Sarsgaard) who inexplicably decides to follow her home. But there’s definitely more than meets the eye and feeling bad for him after he is found sleeping on the street outside her home, she is drawn to taking care of him. At once, she must navigate the resurfacing of her mother (Jessica Harper) from whom she is estranged. Silvia and Saul both realize that they actually have a lot more in common than realized, but at once this also could jeopardize their looming bond with one another.
We’ve been craving stories about human connection, especially after the past few years and the ever-changing way in which humans interact from a distance. Franco gets to the core of his two leads and the more we learn about them, the more heartbroken we are for them. The Film is filled with heartfelt compassion, exploring the deep and crippling impact that unresolved trauma can have. MEMORY doesn’t quite go the way we think it is at the start, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sarsgaard is devastatingly good, capturing Saul’s essence as he navigates his early-onset Dementia, vulnerable and confused, yet at times sharp as a knife. He gives us his all and having lived with a parent who had Dementia I can say the condition is captured truthfully. Chastain always delivers and she shines, especially late when she is forced to confront her mother.
MEMORY screens at TIFF ’23:
Tuesday, September 12
Royal Alexandra Theatre
Premium
5:30 PM
As TIFF ’23 begins to wind down, we enjoyed a much more leisurely pace today. Any time Jessica Chastain comes to town, we show up just like she always shows up for her fans. Despite only having four minutes to greet her fans, who lined the street outside Royal Alexandra Theatre for Michel Franco‘s MEMORY, she made the most of it, walking the line interacting with everyone. She is just absolutely lovely and still despite her stature and success, THE NICEST CELEBRITY ON THE PLANET. Her care and compassion for her supporters is unparalleled and we hope she never changes. Exemplary.
Was great seeing her Co-Star Peter Sarsgaard, fresh off his win in Venice for his performance in the Film for Best Actor, which sees two high school friends reunited, with things take a concerning turn when Sarsgaard‘s character follows Chastain‘s character home.
The Cast and Director head over to Margo on King West for post-premiere celebrations. The newly-launched hotspot situated inside members-only club, Clio.
Another high-profile film to premiere tonight was John Carney’s FLORA AND SON which won raves earlier this year in Sundance. The Film centers on a single mother looking to bond with her son over music lessons. In town for the debut at Roy Thomson Hall were Carney his one of the Film’s breakout stars, Oren Kinlan.
Filmed right here in Toronto, Director/Writer Christos Nikou’s FINGERNAILS got a full circle moment at Princess of Wales Theatre where the Sci-Fi Romance premiered. He dedicated the Premiere in memory of his friend, late TIFF Programmer Ravi Srninivasan, who generously gave him his Raptors season tickets while filming in the City. Both this and Flora and Son arrive later this year on Apple TV+, both getting celebrated with a pre-party at Ace Hotel.
We’re pretty much wrapping-up our star sighting content and look forward to quite a few screenings these next few days! Keep checking back for our Team’s reviews!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com