‘Mary and Max’ is an animated film about a little 8-year-old girl, Mary, from Australia becoming pen pals with a 44-year-old man, Max, from New York with Asperger syndrome, a form of autism. Both lead bleak, troubling lives for different reasons, but they become best friends over 20 years of writing back and forth. Neither had any friends until they found one another. They find lots in common even though their communications are wholly through physical letters, from across the world and generational differences. They have some misunderstandings along the way and ups and downs like any friends, but they hang in there. It’s a humorous story of friendship as they share their sorrows and isolation and build each other’s confidence in a chaotic world that keeps bringing them down.

‘Mary and Max’ is a beautiful, humorous, heartbreaking film that makes you think. It’s such a unique film, unlike any other animated (or non-animated) film I have seen before. The ending will have you fighting back tears. The writing, animation, direction, soundtrack, and voice acting are well done. I don’t think it’s a kid film because it covers dark themes like depression, mental health, pessimism, suicide, and loneliness. I felt the pacing was a bit of a letdown, and it didn’t hold my attention all the way through, unfortunately. Parts of it were easy to drift off into other thoughts. The narrator’s monotone didn’t help matters.

Would I recommend this? I am a bit on the fence about this film. The characters are likable. The story is relatable to probably everyone, but there is also a disconnect somewhere. I believe it’s worth a watch. Even if it doesn’t leave you with a smile, there is something magical and poignant about it.

7.5/10