Memory (2022) directed by Martin Campbell is a crime thriller that brings Liam Neeson back into a familiar role, but with a twist. I chose to watch this film because of course it had Liam in it. I read it's based on the 2003 Belgian film De Zaak Alzheimer, and the story follows Alex, an aging hitman facing early stages of Alzheimer’s. When he finds himself on a mission that conflicts with his moral code, he suddenly becomes a target while also contending with fading memory.
Synopsis
The film centers on Alex (Neeson), who is tired of a life filled with violence but takes on what he believes is his last job. When he’s assigned to kill a young girl, however, his conscience kicks in, leading him to refuse. This decision unleashes a chain of events that pits him against both the organization that hired him and the authorities who are closing in. Detective Vincent Serra (Guy Pearce) plays a persistent FBI agent committed to unraveling the mysteries behind Alex’s targets.
My Review and Rating
This film leans heavily on Neeson’s reliable action hero persona but seeks to go deeper by portraying a hitman grappling with dementia. It’s an ambitious angle that adds a layer of vulnerability to the character; he’s physically capable, but mentally, he’s not always in control.
Watching Alex fight both his enemies and his own mind brings tension, but some scenes do feel a bit repetitive. Liam Neeson does well in expressing the frustration and helplessness that comes with memory loss, though at times, I found myself wishing the film explored his character’s inner turmoil more deeply instead of just focusing on action.
The plot has a strong start, but as it progresses, it feels like it loses some of its originality. A handful of twists are easy to predict, which takes away from the suspense and at times, the action scenes feel overly familiar. Still, the film’s commentary on morality, loss and the gray areas of justice does add some depth.
There’s also something darkly humorous about the fact that Neeson’s character is forgetting things. I almost expected him to end up at a totally wrong location or accidentally target someone harmless. It might sound odd, but it could have added a lighter edge that fits within the grittiness.
Memory is not without flaws, but if you enjoy crime thrillers with a morally complex protagonist, it’s worth a watch.
The plot doesn’t break new ground, but the character’s struggle with Alzheimer’s adds an interesting twist. And as always, Neeson delivers in the role of a skilled yet weary hitman.
I’d give it a ⅗ solid, but it could have used a bit more unpredictability.