17 April 2014
Based on Paco Roca's graphic novel, Ignacio Ferreras' gently provocative cartoon (originally in Spanish, here dubbed into English) explores Alzheimer's from the inside out.
Emilio (voiced by Martin Sheen) is convinced he’s normal and when he’s tenderly dumped in a care home by his son he observes the sadness and madness of the other residents with calm bemusement. Gradually, he realises the truth. Forgets it again. And so on. The animation is simple but lovely. A shame that the film’s other major character, Miguel (George Coe), is rather familiar (the kind of wise-ass-but-deep-down-decent type that one associates with Walter Matthau). Alzheimer’s is another country and dignified Emilio is the only tour guide we need.
