Remember

Remember is an engrossing drama-thriller from 2015, directed by Atom Egoyan and featuring a robust cast headlined by acting veteran, Christopher Plummer. The film delicately balances suspense and human drama in a captivating narrative that explores the themes of memory, revenge, and the enduring effects of the Holocaust on survivors and their families. Plummer delivers a captivating performance, showcasing his expansive acting prowess as he constructs a profoundly touching, yet chilling, character portrait.

The story centers around the life of Zev Guttman (Christopher Plummer), an aged Holocaust survivor who resides in a nursing home, wrestling with deteriorating health and the haunting memories of the painful past. The death of his beloved wife is not only a grief-stricken event for him but is also the triggering point for a mission. This personal journey is orchestrated by Max Rosenbaum (Martin Landau), a wheelchair-bound man who happens to be Zev's longtime friend and a fellow survivor.

Zev, equipped with Max's detailed instructions, embarks on a cross-country journey navigating through long trips, strange motels, and a series of encounters with different men - all sharing the name Rudy Kurlander. This journey is at the heart of the film, where Zev is vested with one monumental task - to find the former Nazi commandant responsible for murdering their families during the war and to serve him the justice that never came. But the mission is not anything straightforward, as it is plagued by Zev's worsening dementia, questionable leads, and the labyrinth of post-war American life, making his journey synonymous with navigating through a maze of faded memories, strained identity and huntings from the past.

As the story unfolds, director Atom Egoyan skillfully intertwines moments of suspense with poignant emotional undercurrents. The narrative oscillates between momentary periods of tranquility and unease, creating a climate that is both unsettling and undeniably immersive. Throughout Zev's journey, viewers get glimpses into his struggling memory, resulting in moments where his confusion becomes palpable and reinforces the angst in his quest for justice.

Supporting Plummer, actors like Kim Roberts and Amanda Smith give life to an assortment of characters that Zev encounters in his odyssey. Each character he meets adds a unique tile to the mosaic that is Zev’s past, further complicating the narrative and enhancing the looming sense of enigma that pervades the feature. These encounters are oftmoments of stark contrasts in the film, ranging from sympathetic warmth to chilling hostility, reflecting the ranges of human relationships and the dynamics of post-war society.

Christopher Plummer’s performance as Zev is particularly noteworthy. He masterfully conveys the emotional weight and complexity of a man struggling with his haunting past, fading memory, and unwavering commitment to justice. His portrayal of Zev instills the film with a profound sense of vulnerability, bravery, and determination, making him the film's beating heart. Martin Landau too gives a persuasive performance as Max, perfectly encapsulating the character’s sense of despair and desire for justice.

The film's technical aspects contribute to its compelling narrative. Cinematographer Paul Sarossy's keen eye for detail captures the vast American landscapes and the melancholic, color-drained environment of nursing homes in equal measures. The film’s brooding soundscape, crafted by composer Mychael Danna, adds another layer of tension and emotional depth to Zev’s journey.

Remember excels as a deeply human portrayal of a man’s struggle with his haunting past, grappling with dementia and driven by an insatiable desire for justice. It takes its viewers on a suspenseful, complicated journey that is filled with emotion, tension, and profound insights into the human condition. The film is a gripping narrative that takes on the enduring themes of memory, revenge, and justice, delivering them with a potent blend of suspense and powerful performances from a cast led by an incredible Christopher Plummer. It’s a movie that's sure to linger in the viewer's memory long after the end credits have rolled.