The Souvenir 2019
Directed by
Joanna Hogg
Made by
A24
Plot Summary
Julie, played by Honor Swinton Byrne, is a bright young film student navigating her privileged life in London. With aspirations to create a meaningful film about a young boy and his mother living in Sunderland, she struggles to convey her vision to her professors. Her days are filled with attending classes and socializing with friends from film school, and when her roommate departs, she finds herself relishing the solitude of her spacious apartment.
Amidst her artistic endeavors, she crosses paths with Anthony, portrayed by Tom Burke, an older government worker. They share tea, but Anthony soon departs for work. Upon his return, he asks to stay with her, leading to them spending abundant time together, culminating in a romantic relationship. Despite noticing bruises on Anthony’s arms—which he dismisses as trivial—they grow closer, prompting Julie to invest less in her studies and friendships.
Their families’ backgrounds starkly contrast when they meet: Anthony’s working-class roots clash with the upper-crust lifestyle of Julie’s parents, Rosalind and William, resulting in heated political discussions. As their relationship develops, the financial requests from Anthony escalate, with Julie covering for him by borrowing money from her mother under the guise of needing it for school equipment.
The dynamics shift further when they invite Anthony’s friends over, including the pretentious Patrick, who points out the unsettling difference in the couple’s lifestyles, asserting that Anthony’s heroin use starkly contrasts Julie’s innocence. Confused and upset, Julie continues her life with Anthony, undeterred by the inconvenient truths unraveling around her.
Disappointment strikes when Julie returns to discover their apartment has been robbed, leaving her heartbroken over the loss of cherished belongings. An unexpected trip to Italy with Richard brings some excitement but also serves as a reality check about her relationship. Julie confronts Anthony about her stolen possessions, feeling betrayed, yet he deftly shifts the narrative, leaving her feeling guilty and apologetic instead.
Even as Anthony manipulates her trust, he continues to borrow money, and she remains oblivious to the growing dangers of their situation. It escalates when Anthony fails to return one night, and Julie finds evidence of his drug use in their apartment. When she confronts him about the situation, anger mightily boils over, forcing her to kick him out.
With Anthony gone, Julie rekindles her film studies and reconnects with friends excited to have her back in their lives. Anthony’s mother seeks information about him, but Julie feels no obligation to update her. Just when she seems to reclaim her life, a letter from Anthony draws her in again as she meets him for tea, slipping back into their previous connection, leading him to move back in.
Life seems amicable until the shadows return, and one day, Julie witnesses Anthony in a fit of violence, reminding her of the dark reality they inhabit. Meanwhile, Rosalind, now residing with Julie for her own schooling, remains unaware of the underlying turbulence. Tragedy strikes when, after another absence from Anthony, Rosalind answers a call to learn of his overdose and subsequent death.
Devastated and in a state of shock, Julie finds herself adrift. Returning to film school, she wrestles with the loss and emerges transformed, no longer the naive girl she once was. As she gazes outside, she looks directly into the camera, her demeanor now stoic and hardened, a marked evolution from her earlier self.
Timeline
Julie Begins Her Film Journey
Julie, a film student in London, starts her education while pushing her aspirations to create a meaningful film about a young boy and his mother in Sunderland. Despite her enthusiasm, she faces challenges to communicate her vision effectively to her professors.
Encounter with Anthony
During her daily routine, Julie meets Anthony, an older government worker, over tea. Their initial meeting, though brief, lays the groundwork for a deeper connection that starts to blossom between them.
Developing Relationship
As Julie and Anthony spend more time together, they gradually develop a romantic relationship. Despite their different backgrounds, they find comfort in each other's company, leading to a deeper emotional bond.
Contrast in Backgrounds
Julie introduces Anthony to her upper-crust family, and differences in social class become apparent. Political discussions ensue, highlighting the disparity between her affluent upbringing and Anthony's working-class roots.
Financial Strain
As their relationship evolves, Anthony begins to ask for financial support, which leads Julie to borrow money from her mother under the guise of needing it for school supplies. This sets the stage for increasing strain in their relationship.
Anthony's Friends Enter the Scene
Anthony invites his friends over, including Patrick, who makes subtle comments about the couple's vastly different lifestyles. This social gathering exposes Julie to the unsettling realities of Anthony's life, causing her to question their relationship.
Apartment Robbery
Returning to her apartment one day, Julie discovers that they have been robbed, leaving her heartbroken over the loss of personal belongings. This incident serves as a troubling metaphor for the unraveling of her life with Anthony.
Trip to Italy
Julie goes on an unexpected trip to Italy with a friend named Richard, providing her a temporary escape from the complexities of her relationship with Anthony. However, the journey also acts as a reality check, prompting her to reflect on her troubled romance.
Confrontation with Anthony
After the robbery, Julie confronts Anthony about her stolen possessions, only to be manipulated into feeling guilty. This conversation highlights the shifting power dynamics in their relationship and Anthony's ability to deflect blame.
Discovery of Drug Use
Julie uncovers evidence of Anthony's drug use in their apartment when he fails to return one night. This shocking discovery serves as the catalyst for her anger and disillusionment, forcing her to confront the reality of their relationship.
Kicking Out Anthony
In a moment of clarity and anger, Julie decides to kick Anthony out of her apartment. This act symbolizes her reclaiming her life and independence, although she still struggles with the emotional aftermath.
Rekindling Film Studies
With Anthony out of her life, Julie rediscovers her passion for film and reconnects with friends. She finds solace in her studies, indicating a shift towards personal growth and resilience.
Anthony's Overdose
Tragedy strikes when Anthony's mother contacts Julie with the devastating news of his overdose and death. This unexpected loss leaves Julie heartbroken and grappling with the chaos of her past relationship.
Transformation and Reflection
In the aftermath of Anthony's death, Julie returns to film school, now transformed by her experiences. She reflects on her journey as she stares out the window, embodying a new sense of strength and resilience.
Facing the Camera
In a moment of profound realization, Julie looks directly into the camera, showcasing her evolved demeanor. This act symbolizes her newfound strength and the stark contrast to her former naive self.
Characters
Julie
Julie is a bright, aspiring filmmaker who navigates the pressures of her elite background and her artistic ambitions. As she becomes romantically involved with Anthony, she experiences a shift in her priorities, leading her to neglect her studies and friendships. Her journey reflects significant personal growth as she confronts the darker realities of love and loss, ultimately emerging stronger and more self-aware.
Anthony
Anthony is a complex character whose charm initially draws Julie in but soon reveals a more troubling side. His struggles with substance abuse and manipulation illustrate the darker aspects of their relationship. As Julie grapples with his behavior, he embodies the conflict between love and self-preservation, culminating in a tragic arc that deeply impacts Julie's life.
Rosalind
Rosalind, Julie's mother, represents the affluent lifestyle that contrasts sharply with Anthony's background. Unaware of the turmoil in Julie's life, she serves as a symbol of privilege and the expectations that come with it. Her presence in the film highlights the parental influence on Julie's decisions and the disconnect between their worlds.
Setting
Time period
The timeline strongly reflects contemporary life, particularly the dynamics of modern relationships and societal issues surrounding class and privilege. This period is characterized by a growing emphasis on mental health and the impacts of substance abuse, as depicted through Julie and Anthony's relationship. Furthermore, it highlights the struggles of young adults navigating education and personal challenges.
Location
London, Sunderland, Italy
The film primarily takes place in London, a city known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant arts scene. Julie's character navigates her life in this bustling metropolis, juxtaposed with her project set in Sunderland, a city with a working-class history, which serves as the backdrop for her film aspirations. An unexpected trip to Italy adds another layer, evoking a sense of cultural exploration and personal discovery.
Themes
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Heartbreak
Heartbreak is a central theme in the film, vividly illustrated through Julie's troubled relationship with Anthony. As she faces betrayal and loss, the emotional turmoil reshapes her identity and perspective on life. This theme resonates deeply, showcasing the pain of love intertwined with personal growth and eventual empowerment.
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Art and Creation
The theme of art and creation is prominent, as Julie aspires to make a meaningful film. It reflects her struggles with authenticity and the pressures of academic expectations. Throughout the film, art serves as both an outlet and a mirror, depicting her evolving understanding of relationships and the harsh realities faced within creative pursuits.
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Social Class
Social class disparities significantly affect the relationships and conflicts in the film. Julie's privileged background clashes with Anthony's working-class roots, leading to tension and misunderstandings. The exploration of socio-economic differences raises critical questions about identity, privilege, and the complexities of love across class boundaries.
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