Sundance 2023: The Eternal Memory
Sundance Film FestivalLove is one of the most powerful forces in the human experience. Compelling both bodies and souls in ways that can even seem illogical and confusing, the force is undeniable. Screening as part of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, Maite Alberdi's The Eternal Memory is a statement of love, even when a connection is challenged. The Chilean documentary follows Augusto and Paulina, a couple who have been together for over a quarter of a century and have built both a home and a family together. Things seem to be out of a dream until Augusto gets diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease with Paulina taking it upon herself to care for him as his condition rapidly decreases.
While content showing the tragic results of Alzheimer’s disease, few have been as haunting and captivating as The Eternal Memory. Basing itself on a backbone of the love shared between Augusto and Paulina in a manner somewhat similar to the portrait of love between Katia and Maurice Krafft from Sara Dosa's Fire of Love last year, The Eternal Memory finds an elevated identity as the film focuses not just on what is being lost, but also what remains pure. As Augusto's memory fades, a tragic reality is found for Paulina who carries the responsibility of wanting to be there for her love while also having to accept the reality that grows bleaker by the week. The portrayal of Alzheimer’s disease in The Eternal Memory is a brutal and aggressive one as Augusto goes from only forgetting minor things to completely being unable to recognize himself or others. What starts as one bad night turns into the new normal seemingly within a matter of a few days with some of the most heartbreaking scenes of the year coming from Paulina's desperation to stop Augusto's suffering. Few films have been this blunt about this struggle, and the weight of these results is almost impossible to capture in words.
Yet. the film is not one of complete sadness. Segments throughout the film focus on the life that Augusto and Paulina have built together with a wealthy supply of home video footage being used excellently. While at times the narrative can be somewhat hard to follow, specifically in some more artistic moments that pull in a local theatrical performance, the film wisely spends time finding the beauty in human life and connection that only makes the loss this couple is facing all the more tragic.
This builds until the ending which is somewhat bold in its focus. While the natural progression of this narrative would be to close the film with the expected death of Augusto which the audience is aware of being just around the corner, the film goes a different route with a final statement of love. Both the film and the audience are enraptured by the dedication and power of Paulina as she stands firm next to the man she loves. No matter the issue, she is there for Augusto with endless love. This is a beautiful thought found throughout the film, with the ending only reinforcing it as a strangely warm closing and promise to the power of the emotion itself.
Technically, the film is incredibly well made. Despite the challenges of the film's production which saw the COVID-19 pandemic hit as filming was happening, the film is incredibly well shot and edited. The isolation from the pandemic only works to increase the effectiveness of the film as both its subjects and the audience are stuck inside together with the walls of the home almost taking on the role of a prison cell. There is no going back to the brighter days of yesterday and there is a clear understanding that escape is not an option. The audience is forced to sit with the characters with the same iconography and walls as week by week, things get worse and worse.
The Eternal Memory is not an easy film but is undeniably a worthwhile one. While haunting and heartbreaking, the film also holds the power and promise of love close with the final message being more about what one gains from human connection rather than what one loses due to a disease. This is a mature and fresh perspective that elevates the project and makes The Eternal Memory instantly one of the best films of the year.
