"Memory Box" is an American English-language live action short film from 2016 written and directed by Audrey Ewell. The reason why this is seen by some now in 2019 is the inclusion of actor Louis Cancelmi and most certainly to a bigger extent the inclusion of actress Mackenzie Davis and I can see her star appeal by watching this film alone here. She sure shines and elevates the mediocre material. The film runs for minimally over 11 minutes only and that already includes closing credits. I read that this was initially intended to be a full feature film, but due to the untimely death of co-director Aaron Aites it was turned into short film territory. And as the latter, it was not a satisfying watch unfortunately. Actually while watching the movie I felt this could turn out with better quality as a 100-minute movie, but we have to go with what we got here. I gave you the most known names already. As for the plot, there is a slight fantasy/sci-fi element to it and both are not exactly my favorite genres. If the film is 100% drama only, then it seems good enough in my opinion. I already said the actors are doing a fine job too, but in terms of the script something was missing to win me over, letg alone have me on the edge of my seat. I did like the ending though, but it was not enough to make me forget about the almost 10 pretty mediocre minutes before that. Also not too impressed by the soundtrack and that is something I really don't say too often. Overall, I wish I could say something more positive here, but I have to give this one a thumbs-down. It is not a failure, not by any means, but yeah it would have needed more or better elaboration, the kind it could have gotten as a full feature. The way it did turn out in fact my suggestion is to skip the watch here. Not recommended and it is a pity because the cast was really there for something much better. Shame.
2 Reviews
Imaginative and satisfying
I_Ailurophile5 August 2021
I love the notion behind 'Memory box,' that of a large collaborative space where performers can reenact the beloved memories of paying clientele. This basic premise opens up a world of storytelling possibilities, and any number of directions that even a 10-minute short could take. Writer Audrey Ewell and co-director Aaron Aites went with a clever angle I admit I didn't anticipate.
The sets and filming locations are choice, successfully imparting the notion that the company offering these services has a large operation out of a substantial complex. Editing furthers the concept by showing how a performed memory may be lived out in the moment for a customer, and dialogue from a manager and the employees boosts the realism as it conveys believable circumstances under which the scenes are enacted. These elements aptly build the root idea of 'Memory box' into what feels like a complete whole without being heavy-handed in presentation as obvious exposition, or in any way detracting from the narrative. Overall I'm initially inclined to regard the short with slightly less favor, but the care taken in the writing to this end bolsters its credibility.
Star Mackenzie Davis, ever a beacon of life and nuance wherever she may appear, stars as Isabelle, a young woman working in the company as an actor. There is a measure of nervous unease in the protagonist's quiet confidence that Davis carries deftly, with all the natural grace of a veteran. It's a joy to watch her here, as always. As the scene changes from Isabelle's work to her home, I had a particular idea in mind of the turn that would unfold, but Ewell surprised me with a different approach that's even more intriguing. Davis holds Isabelle close with a very, very subtle betrayal of thrown expectations as the final moments conclude. It's a delicately arranged minor twist, upsetting whatever thought we had of Isabelle previously, that is set up by flashes of a mere few frames between beginning and end - so purposefully fine and slight in its construction that one will miss it if they're not paying attention. I'm so pleased with how dexterously this culmination is handled.
It's a great credit to all involved that the short can linger in our thoughts so much after watching. On the surface there's not much to 'Memory box,' but the payoff is in the details of its writing, performances, and direction, and its thoughtful, refined craft generally. There's a caveat that the punch of the feature is discreet and underhanded, and therefore perhaps less enjoyable for a broad general audience. Nonetheless, I quite like 'Memory box,' and highly recommend it as a quick watch.
The sets and filming locations are choice, successfully imparting the notion that the company offering these services has a large operation out of a substantial complex. Editing furthers the concept by showing how a performed memory may be lived out in the moment for a customer, and dialogue from a manager and the employees boosts the realism as it conveys believable circumstances under which the scenes are enacted. These elements aptly build the root idea of 'Memory box' into what feels like a complete whole without being heavy-handed in presentation as obvious exposition, or in any way detracting from the narrative. Overall I'm initially inclined to regard the short with slightly less favor, but the care taken in the writing to this end bolsters its credibility.
Star Mackenzie Davis, ever a beacon of life and nuance wherever she may appear, stars as Isabelle, a young woman working in the company as an actor. There is a measure of nervous unease in the protagonist's quiet confidence that Davis carries deftly, with all the natural grace of a veteran. It's a joy to watch her here, as always. As the scene changes from Isabelle's work to her home, I had a particular idea in mind of the turn that would unfold, but Ewell surprised me with a different approach that's even more intriguing. Davis holds Isabelle close with a very, very subtle betrayal of thrown expectations as the final moments conclude. It's a delicately arranged minor twist, upsetting whatever thought we had of Isabelle previously, that is set up by flashes of a mere few frames between beginning and end - so purposefully fine and slight in its construction that one will miss it if they're not paying attention. I'm so pleased with how dexterously this culmination is handled.
It's a great credit to all involved that the short can linger in our thoughts so much after watching. On the surface there's not much to 'Memory box,' but the payoff is in the details of its writing, performances, and direction, and its thoughtful, refined craft generally. There's a caveat that the punch of the feature is discreet and underhanded, and therefore perhaps less enjoyable for a broad general audience. Nonetheless, I quite like 'Memory box,' and highly recommend it as a quick watch.
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