Memoria Review

In an era of streaming infinite content on numerous platforms and being instantaneously entertained with a click of the finger, Memoria is one of those concrete in-movie-theater experiences. Memoria is a world traveling film from theater to theater and only stays for one week once it lands. The film arrived in Montreal at Cinema Du Parc from May 20th-26th.  As much as Memoria is a visual film featuring the great scenery of Columbia, director Apichatpong Weerasethakul wants the audience to tap into another sensory experience during the film's runtime: the sonic sensory. 

Jessica Holland (Tilda Swinton), a Scottish orchid farmer, is visiting her ill sister in Bogota, Columbia. While trying to sleep at night, she is violently awakened by loud bangs and booms that prevent her from getting any sleep. Distraught by this sound, she befriends a young musician and a French archaeologist who is in charge of monitoring a century-long construction project to tunnel through the Andes mountain range, in hopes she will find explanations for the loud bangs. Even when Jessica seems to be finding peace and solace, the loud bangs ring out their existence to not only Jessica, but to the audience as well; putting both on edge. 

The ending, to not reveal too much, all comes together in a collected nature and Jessica must tune into that human connected experience. Memoria is one of those films that relishes in the peace and tranquility on screen, as well as providing an audio sensory journey. The audio sensory can be peaceful as rain falling or that jarring bang springing up on the unsuspecting audience and Jessica, who reacts in real time. Memoria is a visual and sonic experience best enjoyed in theaters. 

Find out if Memoria will be coming to your theater here. 

Remi and Danny host At The Movies, which can be heard every Tuesday morning from 8:00 - 9:00AM. Tune in for discussions about movies, soundtracks, and iconic film scores. At The Movies also covers film festivals that are located in Montreal.