Greetings! I discovered this gem of a movie on Netflix a couple of weeks ago and just had to share it with the world. This film may be animated but there is nothing childish about it. It follows to individuals from opposite sides of the world: a young girl plagued by insecurity and troubling upbringing and a middle-aged man with Aspergers and bad eating habits. What do these characters have in common? They both don't have too many friends. There is comedy, romance, tragedy --- this film covers it all! Every character is vibrant and beneficial to the story that enfolds. Gain perspective on the outlooks of two characters whose point of view isn't normally focused on.
I did not really know what to expect when watching this film but it left me feeling both sad and happy. You know those movies or books or tv shows that make you sympathize for people you wouldn't normally and feel overjoyed for things that you know aren't supposed to (à la Chuck and Blair's ADORABLE but kind of unhealthy relationship)? This was honestly one of those movies. The storyline of the relationship between two pen pals over time may not seem that interesting or original and to be honest... it isn't. What Mary and Max does is remind you of what it feels like to be truly lonely and how amazing it is when you find a friend who you can share this loneliness with. It's beautifully quirky and a film that emotionally touched me in many ways. I'd give it a 10/10.
Happy netflix-ing everyone!
If my review is unconvincing to you, then here are a few facts that perhaps might convince you:
- Philip Seymour Hoffman voices Max (pay ode to this brilliant actor)
- This is an indie film so it gives you bragging rights
- IT'S ON NETFLIX
- This film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival
- If you liked "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime," this story follows a character with a similar POV except much older
