The Souvenir follows young film student Julie (Honour Swinton-Byrne) through a progressively dysfunctional relationship with Anthony (Tom Burke), a cultured, clever, heroin addict.
There are many meta components to the film – which, personally, I love. Julie’s own film, that she’s in the process of producing, tells the story of a boy who’s incredibly attached to his mother, and by the end, “of course” she will die. The notion of losing that which you desire most, resonates strongly with The Souvenir itself; as an ever-growing number of reasons to leave her relationship with Anthony, are never quite enough. She holds on tightly.
Julie is an anxious girl; she chews on her thoughts and struggles to form them into words. But her mind is there; it’s watchful and it’s perceptive – just a little reserved. Anthony is similar in that he keeps to himself – although his character comes with more tension. His silence evolves as secretive, and apprehensive.
The Souvenir offers an exploration of the way one adapts to an unhealthy relationship; where erratic change and compensation is conceived out of love, and is perceived as temporal, despite being prolonged.The cinematography was sustained and unique – in a great way! It is as though the camera-work is a voice of its own, transposing the narrative through reflections and long shots – somewhat alienating the viewer and maintaining an air of nostalgia. Comic moments in the film are awkwardly silent, and opera came as fleeting visions of passion and hope.
The Sydney Film Festival never feels long enough; especially when you’re juggling Year 12 with what feels like a million other things. Nevertheless, I’m so glad to have seen the two films I did see, and highly recommend The Souvenir for some great thought-provoking cinema.
Madison Stephens (17)