Remember Me?

Siri is in her early forties, but stares out at the world like a baby. She has a lethargic, unfocused gaze, and every now and again a wan smile. It’s hard to imagine that just a few years ago she was still an ambitious, sparkling woman. Siri suffers from early-onset dementia, as do the affable fifty-something Finn Robin and the cheerful Ellen, who is no older than 60. All three of them live in a home, where the days all blur into one – although they don’t seem to mind. The curtains, the dishwasher or rearranging the chairs are enough to occupy them. Filmmaker Ragnhild Bergem subtly presents the fragmentary nature of their lives. Long drawn-out shots force the viewer to look Siri, Ellen and Finn Robin in the eye. It’s a difficult situation for their loved ones. Finn Robin’s wife and Siri’s husband are no longer spouses, but caregivers. Shared memories cloud over and conversations go nowhere – what remains isn’t even recognition, but affection.