Memory (2022): A Taut Thriller with a Tarnished Edge
Memory, released in 2022 and directed by Martin Campbell, is a hard-edged action-thriller featuring Liam Neeson as Alex Lewis, an aging hitman grappling with early-onset dementia. Adapted from the Belgian novel De Zaak Alzheimer, the film reimagines the source material for a Texan border-town setting. Neeson’s character, seasoned and lethal, finds himself at a moral crossroads when he’s asked to eliminate a vulnerable thirteen-year-old—a hit that conflicts with his own code and triggers a desperate bid for redemption.
The narrative unfolds in El Paso, Texas, where Lewis accepts what he intends to be his final assignment. But when he discovers the target is a young trafficking victim tied to a powerful real-estate mogul, he refuses, setting off a chain reaction. Alex not only becomes the quarry of his former employers but also aligns himself with an FBI operation led by Agent Vincent Serra, portrayed by Guy Pearce. Together, they chase leads that expose a sordid plot involving child sex trafficking and cover-ups at the highest levels, including the mogul’s privileged son.
Neeson’s performance leans heavily on his trademark stoicism, and he anchors the film with a weary gravitas that reflects a man haunted by both personal decline and his violent past. Critics have noted that while his portrayal is solid, it lacks the emotional depth to elevate the material beyond genre conventions. Guy Pearce contributes a steady presence as the determined yet fatigued agent trying to channel Alex’s insider knowledge. Supporting roles by Monica Bellucci as the calculating matriarch and Taj Atwal as a tenacious FBI partner add texture, though some critics felt their characters were underutilized.
Technically, Memory performs well. Campbell brings a practiced hand to action sequences, with the film displaying polished cinematography and a sharp pace. The tension is enhanced by its use of grainy lighting and tight framing, especially in scenes where Lewis’ deteriorating memory becomes a liability. However, script weaknesses and overreliance on familiar tropes undermine its impact. Reviewers commonly observed that the film’s moral ambitions are diluted by an uneven third act and clichés: the climactic shootout delivers spectacle but lacks thematic resonance.
Critical reception was lukewarm. On Rotten Tomatoes, Memory holds a critics’ score under 30%, with audiences echoing a similar sentiment. Metacritic records a mixed-to-average review level. Common praise acknowledges Campbell’s direction and the actors' performances; criticism centers on its conventional plot and lack of emotional payoff. Commentary suggests that the methodological approach and moral compass of the protagonist raise interesting questions, but the film seldom dives deep enough to explore them fully.
While not rising to Liam Neeson’s earlier thrillers such as Taken, the film is regarded as a competent addition to his late-career action roles. Its more measured tone, focus on dementia, and alliance with law enforcement introduce a modest emotional complexity. Yet many agree that Memory lands as average—delivering action and intrigue, but struggling to leave a memorable mark compared to its ambitions.
In the final analysis, Memory stands as a genre exercise with flickers of moral intent. It isn’t the standout film one hopes for from its premise or pedigree, but it succeeds as a somber, middle-of-the-road thriller. Fans of Neeson’s skilled, aging protagonists will find familiarity here, though those seeking deeper emotional engagement or stark originality may be left wanting. Ultimately, Memory offers a solidly made, if forgettable, portrait of a man battling both methodical violence and declining memory at life's twilight.
