The Souvenir 2019

Julie (Honor Swinton Byrne), a young film student dwelling in the cosmopolitan sprawl of London, hails from an affluent background, yet her creative aspirations are rooted in a desire to capture the poignant struggles of a young boy and his mother living on the city’s poverty-stricken fringes. Though she finds herself struggling to articulate her vision to her professors, Julie’s days are filled with the monotony of classes and the frivolity of parties alongside her film school acquaintances. Following her roommate’s departure, Julie inherits a spacious apartment, where she can finally spread out without constraints.

It is here that she crosses paths with Anthony (Tom Burke), a suave government official, over a cup of tea. Their initial encounter culminates in an invitation for him to reside with Julie when he returns from his work commitments. As their days become indistinguishable, the couple’s symbiotic bond strengthens, and they surrender to their mutual attraction. Julie becomes increasingly aware of Anthony’s physical bruises, which he dismisses as minor afflictions.

As their relationship deepens, Julie’s focus on her studies and friendships wanes, replaced by an all-consuming passion for Anthony. The couple embarks on a series of family gatherings, where the stark contrasts between their social backgrounds become apparent. Anthony’s working-class roots are juxtaposed against Julie’s affluent upbringing, as evidenced in the spirited political debate between William (James Spencer Ashworth) and Anthony.

As they navigate their romance, Anthony’s pecuniary demands become increasingly insistent, with Julie obliging without hesitation – a trait that mirrors her own tendency to borrow from her parents, Rosalind (Tilda Swinton) and William. The couple invites Anthony’s friends over for dinner, including the fastidious Patrick (Richard Ayode), who raises pointed questions about their shared interests. When Julie confesses her confusion, Patrick matter-of-factly reveals his own struggles with addiction, leaving Julie both stunned and appalled.

Despite this revelation, Julie chooses to remain ensconced in Anthony’s world, still enamored by him. A subsequent incident of apartment burglary leaves her devastated and disheartened, having lost a multitude of cherished possessions.

As Richard’s influence wears off, Julie’s excitement turns to disillusionment as the harsh realities of her relationship with Anthony come crashing down. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers that he has been pilfering from her, leaving her feeling utterly betrayed and distrustful. Despite his typical manipulation tactics, Anthony somehow still manages to steer the conversation back towards Julie, ultimately coaxing an apology out of her for not grasping him properly. As the days pass, Julie remains suspicious, frequently questioning Anthony about his whereabouts when he goes out, even resorting to following him on occasion – only to be met with consistent denials. Meanwhile, Anthony continues to borrow money from her, and she continues to oblige.

One fateful evening, Anthony fails to return home, and Julie is left reeling after discovering that he’s been arrested. Her apartment, once a symbol of their dysfunctional harmony, now reveals the dark truth: heroin needles and paraphernalia litter the space. When Anthony eventually returns, Julie unleashes her pent-up fury, effectively ending their tumultuous relationship. Liberated from Anthony’s toxic grasp, Julie rekindles her passion for film school, reconnecting with friends who have long been concerned about her distant demeanor. As she begins to explore new romantic possibilities, she also starts to rediscover herself.

However, the past refuses to stay buried. When Anthony’s mother reaches out inquiring about his whereabouts, Julie politely declines to get involved, choosing instead to focus on rebuilding her life. Eventually, a letter from Anthony arrives, and despite initial reservations, Julie agrees to meet him for another tea date – only to find that they easily slip back into their familiar dynamics. Anthony moves back in, and the pair resumes their on-again, off-again romance.

While moments of tenderness still exist between them, there are also flashes of violence, as Julie is forced to confront the harsh reality of Anthony’s struggles with addiction. Her world is turned upside down once more when she catches him in the midst of a violent fit, her very being trembling with fear.

As Rosalind returns to school and takes up residence at Julie’s place, a sense of normalcy begins to return. But just as things seem to be settling, Anthony vanishes without a trace – leaving behind only a cryptic note for Julie. The next morning, Rosalind answers the phone, delivering the devastating news: Anthony has overdosed on heroin and passed away.

Julie is left reeling, her innocence lost forever. As she returns to film school and throws herself into her work, she becomes a different person – one who has been tempered by adversity and now exudes an air of quiet resilience. Standing outside, gazing directly into the camera, Julie’s stoic expression belies the turmoil brewing beneath the surface, a testament to the profound impact that Anthony’s toxic presence had on her life.