Rememory Movie Review (2017)
A sci-fi mystery about a man investigating a death using experimental memory technology, Rememory is an intriguing story with strong performances, though the narrative feels a bit loose.
When it comes to science fiction films that fly under the radar, they can be very hit or miss. Sometimes you get something exciting and original, like District 9 or Never Let Me Go, and other times you get slop like Robots (2023). You just never know what you’re going to get.
Rememory is about Sam, a man who experienced a tragic event, and can remember every detail except the one he desperately wants to know. Scientist Gordon Dunn has recently created a machine that allows the collection of one’s memories in minute detail, and a company is funding his work. When Dunn is found dead in his office, Sam goes on a quest to find out what happened, befriending Dunn’s widow, Carolyn, along the way.
This drama has a very interesting concept that gets a little murky as you move deeper into the story. There is a definite need for suspension of disbelief, but that’s easy to bring to most sci-fi films. For this one, though, it just feels a little uneven. The narrative is loose, and it meanders a bit, but the overall idea is a good one.
At one point in the movie, there is a brief discussion about the necessity of some memories to be forgotten. It can be dangerous to know every detail because that’s not how it’s intended to be. It reminded me of a conversation that I had years ago regarding childbirth. We only remember the best parts of labor and delivery viscerally. The pain fades, and, while your brain knows that you were in pain, the reward of your child and the love that comes with it is all you truly remember. And that allows people to do it all over again fairly quickly. It makes sense.
There is a nice, moody setting in Rememory, with dark, muted greys, browns, and greens, and a score that hovers between exciting and mysterious.
The best thing about this film, though, is the actors. Peter Dinklage, Anton Yelchin, Martin Donovan, and Julia Ormond bring sincere, nuanced performances that keep you engaged even when the script throws out some cringey lines. They are invested and grounded in this reality, and, because of them, you care about the story. If these actors were not in the film, it would have been a much emptier experience.
Rememory has a compelling idea with actors that keep you as present as possible. The script feels underdeveloped and sometimes too restrained for its own good, but the mystery keeps you curious, so it’s kind of a mixed bag. Overall, I liked it despite my occasional wince and wondering who let that line go through the final script checks.
Runtime: 111 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG-13
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 3/5 Stars
Available: Free on Fandango and Plex, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
