Memoir of a Snail

Greetings again from the darkness.

If you believe that animated films should be whimsical fairy tales developed for children, Adam Elliot would like a word. Actually, he would like about 90 minutes of your time to introduce you to an entirely different approach with stop-motion animation.

Elliot won an Oscar for his animated short Harvie Krumpet (2003) and also developed the excellent animated feature Mary and Max (2009), possibly one of the best direct examples of autism representation in the media to date.

Not one to shy away from grown-up topics, Elliot's latest is a gem filled with most every emotion. Relying heavily on narration, the story is told by Grace Pudel (voiced by Sarah Snook, "Succession"). It's her own life story, but contrary to what the film's title would have you believe, Grace is a person, not a snail (at least not a shelled gastropod). However, she is telling her story to her favourite pet snail, Sylvia. It's OK if that sounds a bit strange, because Grace and her story will draw you in and have you caring very much.

This charming and poignant tale is an great piece of autism representation. Like Nick Park at Aardman, Elliot has shown a natural talent for screenwriting comedy – and for fusing that with the simplicity and directness of his animation style itself, creating a distinctive kind of lovability and pathos and importantly an instinct for the underdog and the outsider. He makes mainstream animation look a bit neurotypical.

This screening will be relaxed as part of our Autism Awareness month screenings.

Bring a trusted friend for free:

Tickets for our Autism-friendly screenings are £10 - and with our double ticket option you can bring a trusted friend along for free! Or come along on your own and meet some friendly faces eager to enjoy cinema in a relaxed environment.

About our Autism-friendly 'relaxed' screenings:

An Autism-friendly screening is where people can watch a film in a relaxed environment.

They are different from regular film screenings because:

• the lights are low instead of completely off, so you can still see where you're going
• the volume is a little lower than a standard screening
• you can move around the cinema freely as you wish during the screening
• you can leave the cinema room during the screening and return without having to worry
• you can make noise, stim, and enjoy yourself
• there is a friendly atmosphere
• there are people around if you need any help

These screenings are for anyone who would feel safe and welcome in this environment.

At Electric Palace, we think the cinema should be for everyone, that's why we offer Autism-friendly screenings.

Inside the Electric Palace

Learn more about the Electric Palace and what you can expect in our short video.

With thanks to filmmaker Sam Sharples and The Equatorial Group for providing the music.

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• Play our piano before a screening and see the film for free!
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• Find out more about our ticket prices
• Problem booking online? See our FAQs

Thank you.