A trauma of any kind always leaves a lasting impact. Whether the survivor desires it or not, the painful images of the past always resurface. What if one openly questions the struggle? What if the victim comes forward and reveals the reasons behind what happened? What if the one who should believe denies the truth? Memory can vary, be tricky, and play games with the mind. What if trauma is merely a fabricated opportunity to exploit others? Or perhaps not?
Sylvia (Jessica Chastain) is a social worker who seems to be in need of help herself. Her life is simple, filled with strict routines, and she rarely deviates from her schedule. Nothing seems to matter to her anymore. She is tired, exhausted, and her sole focus is on her current existence—and her daughter. Everything changes when a man named Saul (Peter Sarsgaard) begins to follow her home. His presence brings back memories from high school—memories that hurt so much she appears stuck in that world that never released its grip on her. But there is one little problem—Saul has dementia and no longer remembers the details of what caused Sylvia to become who she is now.
Written and directed by Michel Franco, “Memory” is a slow-burning drama that provides a truthful approach to childhood trauma. It illustrates that anybody, even adults, is vulnerable to the misconceptions of society and those around them who would rather judge than offer compassion and empathy. Sylvia is known to make up stories, perhaps just for attention. She accuses Saul of unthinkable actions of sexual harassment towards her when she was younger. The man, due to his progressive dementia, cannot remember anything. However, despite this strange encounter, the two delve together deep into the memory lane, with one trying to discover their path to forget, and the other not wanting to forget.
An exceptional ensemble of actors, including The Good Wife’s Josh Charles, Merritt Wever, Jessica Chastain, and Peter Sarsgaard, delves deep into what is called memory. The film teaches us not to ignore red flags and to listen to the victim before rushing to conclusions. Being rejected and denied justice is worse than the actual trauma, which could be treated in one way or another. But how does one ask for help if no one listens or believes? This is why “Memory” unfolds the way it should. You cannot judge anybody. There is a fine line between denial and being denied, and the journey you embark on throughout the film is truly worth discovering.