Mommy
Mommy

Movie spotlight

Mommy

1995
Movie
89 min
English

Patty McCormack's "Mommy" is psychotically obsessed with her 12-year-old daughter Jessica Ann -- so much so that when she finds out Jessica didn't get the "Student of the Year" award again, she solves the problem by murdering the teacher who didn't recommend her for it. She dismisses the killing as inconsequential ("a minor accident"), but the homicide detective assigned to the case suspects her immediately, and an insurance investigator who also suspects her tries to get close to Jessica Ann to find out what really happened.

Insights

IMDb7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes88%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users85%
Director: Xavier DolanGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A widowed and erratic single mother struggles to raise her violent and hyperactive teenage son. Facing mounting challenges and his institutionalization, she attempts to reconnect with him and build a semblance of a normal life. Their intense and complicated bond is tested by his explosive behavior and her own personal demons, leading to unpredictable and emotionally charged situations.

Critical Reception

Mommy was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its innovative visual style, raw emotional power, and the performances of its lead actors. Critics praised Dolan's bold direction and his ability to capture the complexities of a dysfunctional family relationship with unflinching honesty.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw emotional intensity and unique visual style.

  • Lauded for the powerful performances of Anne Dorval and Antoine Olivier Pilon.

  • Noted for its unflinching portrayal of a difficult mother-son relationship.

Google audience: Audiences were deeply moved by the film's emotional depth and the compelling performances. Many appreciated the honest and raw depiction of a challenging family dynamic, finding it both heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival (2014). Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards (2015).

Fun Fact

Director Xavier Dolan initially envisioned the film with a different aspect ratio but decided to use a 1:1 square format for most of the movie, expanding to a wider aspect ratio during moments of emotional release.

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