Alzheimer’s and dementia are commonly explored themes in modern filmmaking, often finding the families and loved ones of those affected struggling to navigate the disease. What writer/director Chris Esper’s Distant Memories accomplishes is a near-total reversal of the theme at hand, taking the audience into the mind of Anna (Sissy O’Hara), an elderly lady dealing with a dreadful case of Alzheimer’s disease.
Anna’s gradually worsening health sends her crashing through snippets of her life, reliving scenes of precious family moments. Anna wanders aimlessly down a dark corridor lined with shelves, a metaphorical timeline of her existence. Anna’s significant memories are attached to objects before her, arranged haphazardly around the room that she then interacts with: dresses, a projector, a dollhouse, and an hourglass with sand rapidly spilling into the other end.
This concrete approach to understanding the disease makes Distant Memories a poignant watch. Esper’s pointed deconstruction of Anna’s condition also paves the way for a number of inventive, haunting visuals that frequently rely on subliminal messaging. The editing and sound design are inventively utilized, employing a wide range of creative tricks to transport Anna back in time.
O’Hara gives a sincerely understated performance, wearing all of Anna’s emotions on her sleeve as she feels herself slipping further away. Chelsea Hueter, Gabriella Spinney, and Alyson Muzila are also equally fantastic, providing authentic layers to Anna’s character as they play progressively aging versions of her. Noelle, played by Christie Devine, makes a brief but impactful appearance as Anna’s daughter, serving as an anchor of support for her mother to cling to.
Distant Memories is an inherently somber short film, but joyous moments abound as Anna revisits the highlights of her past. It’s not a funeral, but rather a celebration of something wonderful that has reached its end.
