Mother! – WTF In A Good Way

Keith NoakesSeptember 17, 2017n/a7 min

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. I technically didn’t see it at the festival but since it was originally at the festival and had its theatrical release during the festival, I will include it with the rest of our coverage. If you would like to keep up with our content, click here.

Synopsis: A couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. (IMDB)

Starring: Jennifer LawrenceJavier Bardem, and Ed Harris

Writer: Darren Aronofsky

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Rating: 18A (Canada)/R (United States)

Running Time: 121mins

Trailer: 

People will be talking about this film for years to come as it’s storytelling is definitely left up to interpretation. This is the kind of film that has to be watched a few times to get everything as it will be difficult for most to truly get everything that was going on here after one viewing (I have some ideas but if you’re like me, I found some more information here). This is because the story isn’t exactly the easiest to describe. Basically, the film is about an unnamed couple (Lawrence and Bardem) who live in a secluded house in the middle of the woods. Without giving anything away, weird things start to happen once an older couple (Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer) show up.

The weirdness builds in a way that perhaps will be too slow for some because it is very difficult to tell where the story is going (which was probably the point). Once the plot reaches its apex, it manages to get both super crazy and extremely uncomfortable. While it was thrilling to watch, if you’re lost at this point then you probably won’t care very much about the proceedings. Again, the film doesn’t explain anything, creating plenty of WTF moments throughout, including the end, which may leave some people feeling cheated (assuming they haven’t walked out).

The best part of the film had to be Lawrence as the wife, called mother here. The film focused on her character and she delivered, carrying the film with her emotional performance. She was very captivating to watch with all the closeups of her character and the progression of her character was the best. She also had great chemistry with Bardem as her husband. Bardem as the husband, called him here, was great at being both charming and sinister. Harris and Pfeiffer were good in their limited screen time but it would have been nice to have seen more of them. All the characters were interesting, however, they were not overly deep, being more of a means to the symbolism and metaphors being presented.

Overall, this was an experience like none other. Some may be frustrated with the slow and confusing story but it isn’t meant to be interpreted in the traditional sense. The best films are the ones that stay with you long after watching and this will surely do that. While not perfect, it was still entertaining to watch and well acted by Lawrence and Bardem.

Score: 8.5/10

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12 comments

  • King of Punjab

    September 17, 2017 at 6:10 AM

    A question for u
    Do u think Maisie Williams can become a Top Hollywood star? I love Maisie Williams and her portrayal of Arya Stark. I have even decided to name my daughter Arya.

    • Keith Noakes

      September 17, 2017 at 10:59 AM

      Maybe, I’d have to see her in more movies.

      • King of Punjab

        September 22, 2017 at 10:03 PM

        have u seen her movie Cyberbully?

      • Keith Noakes

        September 22, 2017 at 10:05 PM

        Never heard of it.

      • King of Punjab

        September 22, 2017 at 10:11 PM

        It is a good UK movie

        Entire movie happens in one room with only one actor

      • Keith Noakes

        September 22, 2017 at 10:12 PM

        I’ll check it out.

      • King of Punjab

        September 22, 2017 at 10:15 PM

        Thank u. Hope to read ur review of it

    • badparentingweb

      September 18, 2017 at 12:50 PM

      Personally, I’d prefer to see more no-names (at least to the Hollywood scene) than see the same tired actors over and over and over. At this point, some actors (Tom Hanks, Alec Baldwin, Sean Penn, etc.) are only ever themselves; I never see them transform into another character. I know that Maise Williams is far from a no-name at this point, but I’d prefer to see more like her in major films than the same people again and again.

      • King of Punjab

        September 22, 2017 at 10:03 PM

        May be you are right. And Maisie williams is quite popular. She has quite popular amongst GOT fans. People even name their daughter Arya. I will also name my daughter Arya. Girl is absolute love considering the fact that Game of Thrones was her first acting role.

  • badparentingweb

    September 18, 2017 at 12:51 PM

    I’m stoked to see this one! Aranofsky rarely disappoints and, at least according to this fairly vague review, I’m jacked to see what he does! Thanks for the preview!

    • Keith Noakes

      September 18, 2017 at 12:53 PM

      Some of it just has to be seen. No spoilers here.

      • badparentingweb

        September 18, 2017 at 12:53 PM

        And I didn’t mean for “vague” to sound insulting. I was happy there were no spoilers! It also gave me a pretty good idea of what to expect from the film (in terms of how it tells the story).

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