Mary and Max is a heartwarming and poignant claymation film that tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two pen pals from different sides of the world. The film features the voice talents of Toni Collette as Mary Daisy Dinkle, an eight-year-old girl growing up in the suburbs of Melbourne, and Philip Seymour Hoffman as Max Jerry Horovitz, a forty-four-year-old man living in New York City.
Mary, a shy and socially awkward child, feels isolated from her peers and turns to writing letters as a way to connect with the world. One day, she stumbles upon an American address in a newspaper and decides to write to Max, a man who shares her love of chocolate and shares her status as an outcast. Max, who suffers from severe obesity and Asperger's Syndrome, is initially skeptical of forming a friendship with someone he has never met, but eventually warms to the idea and the two begin a correspondence that spans decades.
As the two pen pals exchange letters, they share their hopes, fears, and dreams with one another. Mary, who is struggling to fit in at school and find her place in the world, finds comfort in Max's kindness and understanding. Max, who has never had a meaningful relationship in his life, finds in Mary a sense of purpose and connection that he has never experienced before. Through their letters, the two form a bond that transcends geographical boundaries and helps them navigate the ups and downs of life.
Throughout the film, we see the characters grow and change as they learn from one another and face the challenges of life. Mary, who starts off as a lonely and insecure child, becomes a confident and independent young woman, while Max, who has spent his entire life feeling isolated and misunderstood, learns to open up and form meaningful connections with others.
Mary and Max is a beautiful and moving film that explores the power of friendship and the human connection. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, and a reminder that sometimes, the most unlikely friendships can be the most rewarding. With its stunning animation, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, Mary and Max is a must-see for fans of animation and anyone looking for a heartfelt and uplifting film.