What we flagged
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Our take
Memento follows a man who cannot form new memories as he searches for the person who attacked his wife. The fractured story keeps viewers uneasy, while shootings, a beating, a corpse, and a reference to rape and murder make the content adult. Strong swearing is frequent, with drug dealing and heavy drinking in the plot. We put this bleak thriller at 16 and up.
Uplifting themes
There is little comfort on offer here, though the film does probe honesty, memory and how we live with the truth. It leaves you thinking more than reassured The careful look at memory and perception gives older viewers plenty to chew on. It is more thought-provoking than instructive, and it rewards a second watch
Story (may spoil tone)
Leonard Shelby is tracking down the man who raped and murdered his wife. The difficulty of locating his wife's killer, however, is compounded by the fact that he suffers from a rare, untreatable form of short-term memory loss. Although he can recall details of life before his accident, Leonard cannot remember what happened fifteen minutes ago, where he's going, or why.
What we flagged
Details
Violence The plot turns on murder and revenge, with shootings, a brutal beating,…
The plot turns on murder and revenge, with shootings, a brutal beating, a body and guns in play. The violence is not drawn out, but it is real and woven through the story
Language Strong language is frequent and sharp, built on the f-word and s-word t…
Strong language is frequent and sharp, built on the f-word and s-word through tense, angry exchanges. It is a steady part of the dialogue from start to finish
Sex / nudity Sexual content is minor, limited to some innuendo and talk of lovers. T…
Sexual content is minor, limited to some innuendo and talk of lovers. There is no real nudity or sex scene. The film stays on memory, not on bodies
Drugs / alcohol A drug-dealing subplot and talk of scoring thread through the mystery,…
A drug-dealing subplot and talk of scoring thread through the mystery, alongside beer and bar scenes. Substance use sits in the noir background
Frightening The film builds a steady unease through paranoia, confusion and the sen…
The film builds a steady unease through paranoia, confusion and the sense that no one can be trusted. It is tense and disorienting, not a horror watch
Sexual violence The attack on Leonard's wife, including rape and murder, is discussed a…
The attack on Leonard's wife, including rape and murder, is discussed and glimpsed in blurred flashback. It is never graphic, but it is central and upsetting
Gore / death / weapons There are gunshots, a corpse and bloody aftermath shown without lingeri…
There are gunshots, a corpse and bloody aftermath shown without lingering detail. Firearms feature in several scenes and the injuries read as real
Mental health Leonard's inability to form new memories shapes every decision he makes…
Leonard's inability to form new memories shapes every decision he makes. The film treats the condition and his vulnerability seriously
Grief / bereavement Beneath the thriller is a man stuck in raw grief for his dead wife, rel…
Beneath the thriller is a man stuck in raw grief for his dead wife, reliving a loss he cannot move past. That sorrow colours the whole film
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
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Talk after watching
- The story is told backwards and the hero cannot trust his own memory. How did that change the way you understood what happened?
- Leonard leans on notes and tattoos to hold onto the truth. How much do we shape our own memories to fit what we want?
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Memento
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