Drama
Ireland,United Kingdom,United States of America
The Souvenir Part II is a British drama film directed and written by Joanna Hogg, the sequel to her 2019 film The Souvenir. The movie follows Julie, a film student and aspiring filmmaker, as she returns to London after the end of her turbulent relationship with Anthony, an older man who was supportive of her artistic ambitions but plagued by drug addiction and emotional manipulation.
As Julie begins graduate school and starts working on her final film project, she grapples with the memories and feelings that still haunt her from her time with Anthony. With the help of her friends and mentors, including a seasoned filmmaker named Rosalind, Julie tries to unravel the truth about Anthony's past and their relationship, while also exploring her own identity and artistic vision.
Throughout the movie, Julie's project takes shape as a semi-autobiographical film that draws on her own experiences while also incorporating elements of Anthony's life and persona. As she navigates the challenges of filmmaking and the complexity of her feelings for Anthony, Julie begins to find her own voice and vision as an artist, and to forge a new path for herself outside of their relationship.
The Souvenir Part II stars Honor Swinton Byrne as Julie, alongside Tilda Swinton, Richard Ayoade, Ariane Labed, and Harris Dickinson. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in July 2021 and was released in the United States in August of the same year. It has received critical acclaim for its insightful exploration of memory, trauma, and the creative process, and for its powerful performances and evocative visuals.
