Remember Movie Review (2015)
How do you talk about a movie that leaves you speechless? Remember is one of those films that stands out from the crowd and I’m shocked that I’d never heard of it before.
Some movies are just incredibly special. They seem small in the moment, but they carry the weight of history on their backs. They are there for us to learn from and work very hard to not repeat.
Remember is the story of Zev, a man with dementia who is living in a nursing home and has recently lost his wife, Ruth. Guided by his friend, Max, both by phone and in a letter, Zev sets off on a secret quest to find the man responsible for killing both of their families during the Holocaust in Auschwitz.
This is an intense film for so many reasons, but exceptionally well done. Between the subject matter, the hunt itself, the fact that Zev frequently exhibits serious signs of dementia, and the fact that this is a frail old man of around 88 years old traveling by himself, you are never sure exactly where your anxiety is coming from, but it is palpable and it builds.
Christopher Plummer is excellent as Zev. He is likeable and vulnerable, just as scared to continue on his quest as you are for him, but committed to doing what he knows is right. He is an old man, he is not afraid to face the consequences of any actions he takes at this point.
Billed as a drama/thriller, this movie is deep, concerning, and incredibly engaging. At a short run-time of an hour and a half, there were no moments that I drifted off or that I wasn’t fully captured by what was happening. I worried for Zev and I was always heavily curious. I wanted him to succeed in his quest and was terrified for him to do so at exactly the same time.
This film brings to light certain serious issues that took place and went hidden after WWII. Many German military members were prosecuted, but many escaped and moved to other countries, beginning new lives, erasing their old selves, and never speaking of their histories again. If someone has led what appears to be a good life for the last 60 years, does it make up for any of the atrocities they’ve perpetrated?
This is a film that I suggest you don’t read much about, just watch it. Let Zev’s journey unfold for you the way it did for me, with minimal prior knowledge. It deserves so many more accolades than it got, I almost feel like it slipped through the cracks. Christopher Plummer, Martin Landau, and Dean Norris all leave lasting impacts and Atom Egoyan’s direction is impeccable. I will be thinking about this film for a very long time and I really look forward to hearing what you think.
Runtime: 94 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: R
Languages Spoken In The Film: English and German with English subtitles
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? No, but I was definitely shook
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Available: Free on PlutoTV, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
