Nov 4

Nov 4 'The Souvenir: Part II' film review: Meta sequel explores catharsis through art

The understated and quietly extraordinary drama 'The Souvenir: Part II' (opening in theaters nationwide Nov. 5) masterfully articulates the elusive journey of self discovery and reconciling grief.

In short: In the tragic aftermath of her tumultuous relationship, Julie (Honor Swinton Byrne) begins to untangle her relationship while making her graduation film. Tilda Swinton, Richard Ayoade, Ariane Labed and Charlie Heaton also star.

Movie fans love to debate the sequels that are better than the original, and it's time to officially add this sequel to that conversation. To be quite clear: 'Part II' isn't merely superior to its predecessor - this sequel totally reframes the entire first film through a new empathetic and meta lens.

The 2019 original film is an elegantly crafted and intimate relationship drama - but one that feels like a drawn-out short film. Simply put, the first film recounts Julie's stormy relationship with Anthony, a dashing gentleman whose heroin addiction encroaches upon their courting. Without retreading the entire first film, 'The Souvenir' essentially boils down to: girl dates guy with a thousand red flags - and their relationship comes to a predictable conclusion.

'Part II' isn't just the next chapter in Julie's life - this engrossing sequel is layers upon layers of contemplation, awareness and reflection. The basic plot immediately picks up with Julie still trying to understand and internalize Anthony's death. The first film is told through Julie's eyes, where she's a rather passive protagonist swept up in the romantic and tumultuous whirlwind of Anthony. This sequel squarely focuses on Julie coming to terms with the truth about Anthony and how her journey blurs the line between artist and art. While Julie was basically along for the ride with Anthony, this sequel is decisively driven by Julie’s intention to wrap her arms around her experiences and remain committed to her artistic vision.

As Julie approaches her final project for film school, she elects to direct a short film titled 'The Souvenir' - which recounts the tone and texture of her wrought relationship with Anthony. Her script is basically just an outline more focused on the feeling of being in their relationship than a conventional, plot driven narrative - eerily reminiscent of the first film. Julie has something she wants to say - and the joy of 'Part II' is watching her sharpen her focus and finding her voice. And this is also where 'Part II' becomes a mirror unto the first film, pulling back the curtain on the intentional empathy of the first film by revealing Julie's struggles to firmly grasp an experience that deeply affected her as a woman and as an artist.

Final verdict: This insightful, confident and bold self-portrait is a profoundly captivating follow-up is immersed in the messy experiences that informs artists and inspires art. This evocative sequel succeeds were few films ever have: it enriches the experience of rewatching the first film while tracking an emotional journey from meek student to affirmed filmmaker.