The Souvenir: Part II 2021

Julie, still grappling with the devastating loss of her lover, Anthony, seeks solace by staying with her parents for a short period. During this time, she confides in her mother about the unsettling news that her period is late, adding another layer of emotional turmoil to her already fragile state. Once she returns to her own flat and resumes her studies at film school, she feels the weight of her grief pressing down on her. Eventually, she decides to visit Anthony’s parents, James and Barbara, to return some of his belongings, attempting to untangle the mystery of the man she loved. However, to her dismay, they reveal that they, too, had only a minimal understanding of who Anthony really was.

Amidst this personal chaos, Julie finds herself at a film studio, where her friends Marland and Garance are diligently completing their final student films. It is here that she encounters Jim, an actor from Marland’s project. Their chemistry ignites fervent passion, leading to a night of intimacy, albeit followed by the realization that Julie gets her period as Jim pleasures her. In a quest for closure, she visits Anthony’s friends from the world of addiction, hoping to uncover details about his last hours, but is met with silence from Suzie, one of the friends.

Determined to express herself through art, Julie presents her new reel and script for her final film project to the school board, but their reaction is far from encouraging. They harshly criticize her work, pointing out its weak narrative and improper formatting, ultimately threatening to withdraw their support if she persists. Seeking comfort, Julie spends more time with her parents, using this opportunity to probe Rosalind for insights about Anthony and the last moment she spent with him. Rosalind reminisces about their last encounter, calling it pleasant and professing her fondness for Anthony while expressing her deep sympathy for Julie upon hearing of the tragedy.

Despite the school’s disapproval, Julie quietly resolves to forge ahead with her film, crafting a semi-autobiographical piece centered around her relationship with Anthony. Garance encourages her to cast Pete, a talented young actor, as “Alfie,” while Julie’s insistence on having Garance play “Julie” leads to tension on set. As chaos ensues, it becomes apparent that Julie is struggling to articulate her vision, which frustrates both the cast and crew. Pete voices his concerns to Julie, suggesting that she is caught between the version of Anthony she knew and the reality of who he truly was.

In a pivotal meeting with her editor, Max, she opens up more about her relationship with Anthony and the grieving process experienced by their parents. Max gently reminds Julie that she shouldn’t carry the burden of their grief alone. Just when it seems like Julie is starting to find her footing, she receives a distressing call from Barbara informing her that James has suffered a stroke. Reflecting on her feelings in therapy, Julie wrestles with the lingering question of whether she truly loved Anthony or if her attachment stemmed from a desire for companionship outside her immediate circle. Her therapist encourages her to continue seeking genuine connections in her life.

The culmination of her journey arrives when Julie debuts her film, titled The Souvenir, before her classmates and the school board. The premiere features a dreamlike sequence where she symbolically confronts the grievances she harbors against Anthony, assisted by her friends and family in the process of letting go.

Fast forward several years, and Julie, now an accomplished music video director, gathers with friends from film school to celebrate her 30th birthday in her flat, a scene richly imbued with nostalgia. The scene transitions to the film school studio where the celebration is taking place, and just as the atmosphere is saturated with laughter and reminiscence, a voice calls out, “Cut,” signalling the conclusion of the film, leaving the audience to ponder the intricate layers of love, loss, and creative expression that have shaped Julie’s path.