Watch The Souvenir Part II

The Souvenir Part II is an engaging and thought-provoking film that serves as a follow-up to the 2019 movie, The Souvenir. The sequel is directed by Joanna Hogg, and stars her longstanding collaborator, Tilda Swinton, alongside Honor Swinton Byrne and James Spencer Ashworth. The story takes place in the 1980s, a few years after the events of the first film. The lead character, Julie (Honor Swinton Byrne), is a young film student who is dealing with the aftermath of her tumultuous relationship with Anthony (Tom Burke), a charismatic and manipulative older man. As she tries to move on with her life, Julie begins to reflect on her experiences and start to understand how she got into such a destructive relationship.

Tilda Swinton plays Rosalind, Julie's mother, who is a seasoned actress, and who is dealing with her own demons. Rosalind is now sober and trying to reconnect with Julie, who has been distant from her ever since their relationship became strained in the first film. Swinton brings a lot of emotional depth to Rosalind's character, conveying the pain and regret of a mother who has been too absent from her daughter's life.

James Spencer Ashworth plays Patrick, a friend of Julie's who has feelings for her. Patrick is a gentle and caring presence in Julie's life, providing her with the support and stability she needs as she tries to make sense of her past. Ashworth's performance is understated but effective, making Patrick an endearing character that the audience wants to root for.

One of the most striking aspects of The Souvenir Part II is the way it deals with memory and trauma. The film uses a series of flashbacks and dream sequences to explore Julie's past, and to show how her experiences with Anthony have impacted her in the present. These sequences are edited together in a non-linear way that creates a sense of disorientation, mimicking Julie's own confusion as she tries to process her emotions.

The film also explores the power dynamics in relationships, and how easily people can be manipulated and taken advantage of. Anthony is a master of emotional manipulation, and the film does not shy away from the darker aspects of their relationship. However, it also depicts Julie as a complex and flawed character, showing how her own insecurities and naivete contributed to the dynamic between them.

As with the first film, The Souvenir Part II is a visually stunning movie, with beautiful cinematography and a strong sense of style. The film is set against the backdrop of Thatcher-era London, and Hogg captures the atmosphere of the time period in a way that feels both authentic and timeless. The film is also notable for its use of music, with an evocative score by Alberto Iglesias that helps to set the mood and enhance the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, The Souvenir Part II is a powerful and affecting film that stands on its own while also serving as a satisfying conclusion to the story begun in the first film. The film takes a nuanced and sensitive approach to its subject matter, and the performances by the cast, especially Tilda Swinton and Honor Swinton Byrne, are excellent. Whether you have seen the first film or not, The Souvenir Part II is a must-see for anyone interested in thoughtful and emotionally complex cinema.

The Souvenir Part II is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 90.