The Souvenir

Saw it a while back. Some regurgitated thoughts below:

I went from hating the first Joanna Hogg film I saw (Archipelago) to adoring the second (Exhibition). Thankfully this is more in line with the latter. The story of a young film student (perhaps semi-autobiographical, but who knows?) who starts a relationship with an older man who's not necessarily who he says he is. If that sounds dramatic, the film is resolutely understated - the material is broadly familiar, but Hogg is much more interested in the subtle moments rather than in the sort of ones other filmmakers tend to emphasise. What emerges is a study of a toxic yet formative relationship, an addiction drama and a young creative finding her way in the world. Honor Swinton Byrne (whose mother Tilda also appears) is a real find, and naturally the whole thing is exceptionally shot and atmospheric. Looking forward to part two - not the kind of film you usually see a sequel tease for at the end of the credits!

Non-regurgitated addition: The A24 podcast between Hogg and Scorsese deserves an hour of your time.