Memoir of a Snail

What’s it about?

After a string of tragic life events, Grace, a misfit with a passion for collecting snails, discovers how to find confidence within herself amidst the chaos of daily life.

The facts

• This animated series is for older audiences and is not suitable for children.
• Written and directed by Adam Elliot (Mary and Max)
• Stars Sarah Snook (Succession, Run Rabbit Run), Nick Cave, Eric Bana
• English language
• Runtime: 94 minutes

Why did it get this rating?

This film game was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Violence

Moments of violence include:

• A character loses a tooth after being beaten up by bullies, then pushes the bloodied tooth back into place.
• A character snaps someone’s finger backwards, causing them to scream in pain
• Another character’s finger comes off when they accidentally stick their hand in a ceiling fan. The finger flies across the room and lands in a cup.
• A character trips and falls into a knife that’s sticking upwards in a dishwasher
• A character is attacked by a crocodile. It happens off screen, but you hear them screening and then see the crocodile looking satisfied afterwards
• Two characters are given shock therapy. You see their eyes bulging out and going blood shot while they convulse from the intense shocks

Drug references

A number of characters are alcoholics due to events that have affected them. After being hit by a car, a character loses their ability to walk and turns to alcohol. Another character is fired from their job and becomes a homeless alcoholic.

One character makes gingerbread marijuana cookies. She’s shown relaxed after eating them, and sells them to an elderly woman to help with her pain.

Sexual references

There are a few references to sex, however the animation and comedic elements lighten the tone of these scenes. You see two characters having sex behind a garbage can, another character masturbates in court (behind a desk), and a married couple are swingers. Guinea pigs and snails are also shown also having sex.

There’s also a bit of nudity, with breasts, penises and buttocks shown.

Death themes 

Several characters die, affecting the main character deeply. These scenes are crafted to evoke strong reactions from the audience.

One of the characters takes snail poison in an attempted suicide, but quickly spits it out.

Offensive language

There’s some offensive and coarse language used such as “sh*t,” “wanker,” “dickhead” and “bastard.” The homophobic slur “poofter” is also used.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Mary and Max – Content Breakdown
• You know? Definitely NOT for kids! A chat with Memoir of a Snail’s filmmaker – article (Flicks.co.nz)