It’s hard to put into words what this movie means to me. There are so many portrayals of the aftermath of sexual violence and abuse in the media - some better than others. As a survivor myself, it’s rare that I find a performance that reflects my lived experience. Too often abuse is either glamorized or the survivor is characterized as a broken thing beyond repair.
Jessica Chastain’s performance as Sylvia was the first time I saw my experience post-assault reflected back to me in a way that felt honest and true. I know too well how the daily rituals in your life change, from locking the doors tight to having your guard up when new people enter your life. I’ve felt the pain that forces you to bend in half when you admit to yourself that the betrayal and lack of support from your blood is an abuse itself. I even understand the confusing, uncomfortable, and nerve wracking emotions surrounding sex with someone you actually like after your past experiences have been traumatic. I could go on and on.
No two survivors’ stories are the same, so others may not feel what I felt when watching this film. But for me, Memory made me feel seen and understood for the first time in a long time. It reminded me that my story matters, that I deserve more love than what’s been given to me, and that I am more than what happened to me.
I’m going to end this here (because I could go on forever) with immense and deep gratitude for Jessica’s research, dedication, and commitment to this performance. It truly changed my life.
It’s hard to put into words what this movie means to me. There are so many portrayals of the aftermath of sexual violence and abuse in the media - some better than others. As a survivor myself, it’s rare that I find a performance that reflects my lived experience. Too often abuse is either glamorized or the survivor is characterized as a broken thing beyond repair.
Jessica Chastain’s performance as Sylvia was the first time I saw my experience post-assault reflected back to me in a way that felt honest and true. I know too well how the daily rituals in your life change, from locking the doors tight to having your guard up when new people enter your life. I’ve felt the pain that forces you to bend in half when you admit to yourself that the betrayal and lack of support from your blood is an abuse itself. I even understand the confusing, uncomfortable, and nerve wracking emotions surrounding sex with someone you actually like after your past experiences have been traumatic. I could go on and on.
No two survivors’ stories are the same, so others may not feel what I felt when watching this film. But for me, Memory made me feel seen and understood for the first time in a long time. It reminded me that my story matters, that I deserve more love than what’s been given to me, and that I am more than what happened to me.
I’m going to end this here (because I could go on forever) with immense and deep gratitude for Jessica’s research, dedication, and commitment to this performance. It truly changed my life.
