Review of Mary and Max (2009) by Trevor W — 16 Jun 2014

Clay animation has never become more endearing than in Adam Elliot's darkly comical "Mary and Max." The film deals mainly on the friendship between a lonely eight-year old Australian girl, Mary, and an obese forty-four-year old man, Max. As the two become pen pals and share each others warts, secrets and interests, they become mutual friends, perhaps the only friends they could ever have, and that is the emotional power that arises from this quaint little film. The craft is beautiful and almost eccentric -- ranging from the bleak, black-and-white color pallet of Max's world in New York to Mary's brown and hazel Australia, reflecting on her birthmark, the color of poo as said from the film's narrator -- which catapults this gem into bigger heights of stop-motion of animation. While their friendship blossoms and flourishes, it touches on many themes and issues that would never seem apparent in this innocent quirky film. From Mary problems -- dealing with childhood neglect, her mother's alcoholism -- to Max's obesity, depression, a startling realization of his Asperger's Syndrome and the obscurity of life, it definitely is a mature film as it quickly delves into the darker depths. It's rather wise of introduce mature themes like mental illnesses and its through that avenue does the friendship Mary and Max become stronger and more powerful.

It's deeply a depressing film, but one filled with glimpses of hope and humor, and never has friendship displayed on film become ever so emotionally resonating. It's a masterpiece in my eyes, and one I will cry to and laugh with for many years to come.