Memoir of a Snail (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Memoir of a Snail is a 2024 animated drama starring Dominique Pinon as Percy, Jacki Weaver and Sarah Snook. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $7.7 million worldwide on a $7 million budget. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 34m (94 min)
- Original language
- Australian english
- Studio
- Arenamedia
- Budget
- $7M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Memoir of a Snail About?
The premise of Memoir of a Snail without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Set in 1970s Australia, this story follows Grace, whose early life is marked by tragedy and loss. After her mother’s death during pregnancy, she and her twin brother, Gilbert, are raised by their paraplegic, alcoholic father, Percy, a former juggler. Despite a loving upbringing, more loss occurs when Percy dies unexpectedly. The siblings are then separated and placed in different homes. Gilbert is taken in by a strict, evangelical family, while Grace struggles with loneliness and retreats inward, forming a connection with the snails she collects. Years later, a lasting friendship with an elderly, unconventional woman named Pinky offers a source of comfort and hope.
Memoir of a Snail Themes & Keywords
· 31 tags- stop motion
- stop motion animation
- for grown ups animation
- brother sister relationship
- foster home
- twin brother twin sister relationship
- in medias res
- female rear nudity
- female nudity
- gay character
- animal in title
- cemetery
+19 more Show fewer
- twin brother
- gay
- death
- snail
- death of brother
- swinger couple
- religion
- grave
- swinger
- swing
- alzheimer's disease
- religious fundamentalist
- old woman
- school
- death of twin brother
- tooth
- fire
- death of mother
- plot twist
Memoir of a Snail Cast & Characters
Dominique Pinon leads the cast as Percy, with Jacki Weaver as Pinky and Sarah Snook as Grace Pudel.
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Dominique Pinon as Percy -
Jacki Weaver as Pinky -
Sarah Snook as Grace Pudel -
Kodi Smit-McPhee as Gilbert Pudel
Also Starring in Memoir of a Snail
· 3 more- Magda Szubanski Ruth
- Eric Bana James The Magistrate
- Nick Cave Bill Clarke
Memoir of a Snail Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Memoir of a Snail 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).
Memoir of a Snail Echo Score Breakdown
Memoir of a Snail offers a distinctive stop-motion narrative that unites a drab, handcrafted aesthetic with mordant humor and poignant emotional depth. Critics consistently note the film’s elegant classical-style score and inventive narration as key strengths, while a minority find its reliance on prolonged suffering and abrupt tonal shifts taxing. On balance, the film delivers a memorable and immersive experience that feels both personal and resonant, solidifying its status as a commendable animated feature.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of visual craft and direction, Memoir of a Snail demonstrates meticulous stop-motion world building and a cohesive aesthetic vision. Reviewers praised its ingenious use of handmade materials and the textured, grubby charm that complements the narrative. While some critics found the drab palette intentionally stark, this choice ultimately reinforces the film’s distinctive visual identity.
- Character & Emotion 92
When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, the film delivers nuanced portrayals of social outcasts and a touching central performance. Critics highlighted the dryly witty narration and strong voice cast for instilling authenticity in moments of grief and levity. Overall, the emotional chemistry engages the audience with sincerity and compassion.
- Story & Flow 85
In terms of plot coherence and pacing, Memoir of a Snail unfolds as a gently measured fable that interweaves misfortune with moments of mordant humor. Many observers found the flashback-driven structure original and engaging, with well-earned emotional beats. However, some critics noted reliance on prolonged suffering and an abrupt resolution that feels like a narrative shortcut. Overall, the story remains compelling despite occasional tonal unevenness.
- Sensory Experience 88
When it comes to sensory elements, the film’s elegant classical-style score and carefully tuned sound design complement its unpolished visual textures. Reviews highlighted the dry, precise narration and the balance of bleak tonalities with inventive audio cues. While the austere palette and restrained soundscape may feel stark to some viewers, they reinforce the immersive, handcrafted atmosphere of the production.
- Rewatch Factor 75
In terms of rewatch value, Memoir of a Snail offers a deeply affecting experience whose emotional intensity can reward multiple viewings. Many viewers appreciate the richness of thematic layers and poignant humor on subsequent watches. However, the film’s persistent melancholic tone and occasional narrative heaviness may limit its appeal for frequent revisits. Overall, it retains notable lasting resonance.
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IMDb 7.8 /10
25724 votes
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 81 Metascore
User score 8.0
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 81% User score
See on TMDB
Memoir of a Snail Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Memoir of a Snail from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Grace Pudel is a young girl navigating her childhood in 1970s Melbourne, Australia. She resides with her twin brother, Gilbert Pudel, and their French father, Percy, a former juggler who now faces life as a paraplegic battling an alcohol use disorder. Grace finds solace in her peculiar hobby of collecting snails, a passion she shares with her late mother, who tragically passed away during childbirth. The bond between the twins is both profound and protective; Gilbert fiercely defends Grace against the cruel jibes of their schoolmates, who cruelly mock her for her cleft lip, a consequence of her early arrival into the world.
Full summary
The whole story of Memoir of a Snail, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Memoir of a Snail Box Office & Budget
Memoir of a Snail grossed $7.7 million worldwide on a $7 million budget, 1.1 times what it cost. $669,798 came from the US and Canada and $7 million (91%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$7.7M
1.1× its budget
- US & Canada
- $669.8K
- International
- $7M
- Budget
- $7M
Memoir of a Snail Awards & Nominations
Memoir of a Snail was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 15 nominations come from 5 ceremonies, the most at the AACTA Awards 2025.
15 nominations5 ceremonies
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AACTA Awards 2025 11 nominations- Nominated Best Cinematography
- Nominated Best Direction
- Nominated Best Editing
- Nominated Best Film
- Nominated Best Lead Actor – Kodi Smit-McPhee
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Critics' Choice 2025 1 nomination- Nominated Best Animated Feature
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Annie Awards 2025 1 nomination- Nominated Best Animated Feature — Independent
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Golden Globes 2025 1 nomination- Nominated Best Animated Feature Film
Show all 5 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
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Oscars 2025 1 nomination- Nominated Animated Feature Film
Memoir of a Snail Trailers & Videos
17 videos: 2 trailers, 2 teasers, 2 clips, 6 featurettes and 5 behind-the-scenes videos.
- Trailer Official Australian Trailer
- Teaser Official Teaser
- Teaser Official Teaser Trailer
- Clip Official Clip - Twins
How Well Do You Know Memoir of a Snail?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What hobby does Grace Pudel find solace in?
Memoir of a Snail Also Known As
23 alternative titles, including “蜗牛回忆录” and “Bir İlbizin Xatirələri”.
- Also known as
-
- 蜗牛回忆录
- Bir İlbizin Xatirələri
- Egy csiga emlékiratai
- かたつむりのメモワール
- Pamiętnik ślimaka
- Мемуары Улитки
- Memoari jednog puža
- 蝸牛少女回憶錄
- Bir Salyangozun Anıları
- Мемуари равлика
- Mémoires d’un escargot
- 달팽이의 회고록
+11 more Show fewer
- Memorias de un caracol
- มนุษย์ทากหัวใจผจญภัย
- Мемуары улитки, ლოკოკინის მოგონებანი
- Memórias de um Caracol
- Мемоари једног пужа
- Memòries d’un cargol
- Paměti z ulity
- Hồi Ức Của Ốc Sên
- זכרונות של חילזון
- خاطرات یک حلزون
- Memoiren einer Schnecke
Seen Memoir of a Snail?
Movies Like Memoir of a Snail
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Found Memories, Memoirs of a Sinner and Pachyderm.
Articles About Memoir of a Snail
4 articles about Memoir of a Snail. The latest: “The Ultimate 2025 Oscars Nominations Guide: Surprises, Snubs, and Must-Know Insights”.
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Culture -
Culture2025 Oscars Nominations: Musicals, Horror, and Hollywood’s Biggest Surprises
The 2025 Oscar nominations promise a thrilling contest. Here’s a closer look at this year’s biggest contenders, snubs, and surprises. 6 min read -
Golden Globes2025 Golden Globe Nominations: Surprises, Snubs, and the Next Big Oscar Clues
A deep dive into the surprises, snubs, and game-changing nominations for the 2025 Golden Globes. Explore which films and series stunned critics, which stars got snubbed, and how these nominations may shape the Oscars race. 6 min read
Memoir of a Snail FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings, awards, post-credit scenes and language of Memoir of a Snail, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Memoir of a Snail?
Memoir of a Snail runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).
When was Memoir of a Snail released?
Memoir of a Snail was released on October 25, 2024.
Who is in the cast of Memoir of a Snail?
Memoir of a Snail stars Dominique Pinon as Percy, Jacki Weaver as Pinky and Sarah Snook as Grace Pudel, among 7 credited actors.
How much did Memoir of a Snail make at the box office?
Memoir of a Snail grossed $7.7 million worldwide ($669,798 domestic, $7 million international) on a budget of $7 million.
How is Memoir of a Snail rated?
Memoir of a Snail has 7.8/10 on IMDb, 81 on Metacritic and 81% on TMDB.
Was Memoir of a Snail nominated for any awards?
Memoir of a Snail received 15 nominations across 5 ceremonies.
Does Memoir of a Snail have a post-credit scene?
No. Memoir of a Snail has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Memoir of a Snail in?
The original language of Memoir of a Snail is Australian english.
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