ꕤ ﹚ preface

Going into this film, I really went in blind.
All I knew was that the blond-haired young lady was named Marnie. I’ll try to keep this brief as possible, without any spoilers, but if you would like, feel free to read the synopsis as it is.

also, do not expect there to be any romance at all is all I'm saying. this is not that kind of movie, folks.

ꕤ ﹚ My favorite part

of the film was that it kept me wondering and guessing.
This is something I really liked about the film because the mystery kept me curious to know more, and keep on watching. (I also saw this in theaters, so I had no way of pausing it haha).
As much as I love to guess and get things right, I enjoy something even more when I am wholly surprised.

ꕤ ﹚ Emotions displayed throughout the film

In the beginning of the film, we can already get a sense as to how Anna sees herself. She quite literally says that she hates herself, which is something I also resonated with. Over the course of the film, we see how she came to that belief that has held her back from living a 'normal' life.

The way Anna always seemed to have fallen asleep after spending time with Marnie already signaled something. However, it shows how symbolic their time together was. This also made me think of how The Boy and the Heron might have taken inspiration from this, as well as a resemblance to Spirited Away.

ꕤ ﹚ I love how this film was paced.

It is just right, everything in its right place. Sure, there are times where you are eager to know more, but patience is key – personally, the pacing doesn’t keep you waiting that long either.

ꕤ ﹚ I believe what I am taking away from this film

is that the truth is hard to understand. Especially when you assume things on your own, and use that to distance yourself from the people that genuinely love and cherish you. People make mistakes. We use them to mature and become better people, that’s what being human is.

Marnie is a joy, so full of life, reminding me/us that there is more to life than the cards you’re dealt with. How you were brought up doesn’t define you, it’s what you choose to do with your life that does. Despite the unfortunate circumstances that she went through, through it all, she found her own comfort and happiness. I would say this film has a speck of tragedy, but nonetheless it was very wholesome – with a lovely resolution in the end that ties everything up all together.

ꕤ ﹚ Finally, a last remarkable thing I would like to note

is a moment in the ending. Where the supposedly mute fisherman speaks. I believe this moment was also quite wholesome in itself as it shows how Marnie’s presence was more than a ripple in the marsh. ;)

▶

ꕤ ﹚ rewatch value

I would 100% watch again, just to bask in its presence and perhaps cry even more as I reminisce and relate it with my personal life.

Would I suggest you watch this? Yes, I would. Especially if you’re in for surprises, and want your heart to be moved. I highly recommend this!