Don't Call Me Son
Pierre is seventeen and in the middle of puberty. He plays in a band, has sex at parties and secretly tries on women’s clothing and lipstick in front of a mirror. Ever since his father’s death, his mother Aracy has looked after him and his younger sister Jacqueline, spoiling them both. But when he discovers that she stole him from a hospital when he was a new born baby, Pierre’s life changes dramatically. In her new film, director Anna Muylaert explores the mother-child relationship through the eyes of a rebellious son whose whole world unravels overnight.
Insights
Plot Summary
Pierre is a charismatic teenager living a happy life with his adoptive mother, Glória. Their world is turned upside down when his biological mother, Lídia, appears and claims him as her own, revealing that he was swapped at birth. Pierre is forced to navigate this new reality, torn between the two women and the two lives he now leads.
Critical Reception
Don't Call Me Son received positive reviews from critics, who praised its sensitive exploration of identity, family, and sexuality. The performances, particularly from the lead actors, were frequently highlighted, as was Muylaert's nuanced direction.
What Reviewers Say
- A touching and thought-provoking drama about family and identity.
- Praised for its strong performances and nuanced portrayal of complex relationships.
- Explores themes of sexuality and belonging with sensitivity and humor.
Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's emotional depth and relatable characters, with many commending its exploration of modern family dynamics and the challenges of self-discovery.
Awards & Accolades
World Premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival (Panorama section), where it won the Audience Award for Best Feature Film. Also screened at numerous other festivals, receiving further audience and critical acclaim.
Fun Fact
Director Anna Muylaert was inspired to write the script after hearing a news report about a real-life case of a baby swap in Brazil.
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