Direction: Joanna Hogg
Country: UK
The sequel of the critically acclaimed The Souvenir picks up exactly where the first one left off. Set in 1980s London, the film finds Julie (Honor Swinton Byrne) trying to come to terms with the death of her boyfriend while working on a graduation film whose topic inevitably shifts toward her loss. This option brings a therapeutic effect that is fundamental for the strong-willed Julie be able to move on with her life.
Hence, the British writer-director Joanna Hogg, who wrote the script based on her real-life experiences, makes a film about grief but also delves into the world of filmmaking and filmmakers with wit and grace.
Depicted with subtle optimism and real humanist heft, The Souvenir Part II presents a delicate balance between grief-induced reminders and reserved comedic moments. It’s certainly more cheering and funnier than the first part but also less engrossing, despite the intimacy and artistically bold concepts behind it.
Tilda Swinton is efficiently low-key; Richard Ayoade stands out during the short time he’s on screen; and Byrne - Swinton’s real daughter - acts with emotional enlightenment as she impersonates Julie with assurance. This determined character knows exactly which path to take despite the adversities that might come her way, like when her teachers questioned the quality of her work, or people didn’t understand her script, or when a cameraman showed his frustration with several last-minute changes.
Maybe the most admirable aspect in this self-portrait of the young artist is that it doesn’t shy from feelings. Hogg’s meticulous direction manages to bring all the emotions, certainties and hesitations to the fore.
