FILM DROP // The Souvenir (2019)
Director: Joanna Hogg
The Souvenir by Joanna Hogg is a 2019 semi-autobiographical film that follows a shy yet ambitious young woman, played by Honor Swinton Byrne, as she tentatively begins film school in London in the 1980s. She meets Anthony, played fantastically by Tom Burke who is charming and intelligent but untrustworthy and hiding a dark secret. The film is an intimate portrait of a young woman with an artistic vision who is caught in the rip current of a toxic relationship. It’s an understated film, dialogue is often improvised, the pace is slow which creates detachment and mystery, yet it is still captivating. Tom Burke’s portrayal of a man grappling his demons is so credible; he is thoroughly unlikeable but endearing and pitiful all in the same moment. Tilda Swinton is Julie’s mother (both on and off screen) and plays the role of an upper middle class middle-aged woman in the 80s with detailed observation.