Memoir of a Snail (15)

Oscar-winning director Adam Elliot’s distinctive stop-motion animation style is perfect for conveying the sweet pathos of the outsider. In 1970s Australia, closeknit twins Grace and Gilbert are separated to opposite end of the continent while still children. Grace moves in with an affluent ‘swinger’ couple, while Gilbert, whose ambition is to be a fire eater, is fostered by members of a cult. Grace’s life changes when she meets a colourful, eccentric old lady called Pinky who has ‘done it all’ – from making love to John Denver to playing ping pong with Fidel Castro. Witty, inventive but intensely full of feeling – as well as snail-obsessed – this is an animation gem.