A Mother's Instinct

In a seemingly idyllic 1970s suburb, two devoted mothers and best friends, Alice and Céline, live side-by-side with their sons. Their close bond is shattered when a tragic accident befalls one of the boys. Overcome by grief and suspicion, the surviving mother begins to believe the other was responsible, leading to a descent into paranoia and a dangerous game of psychological manipulation. The film explores the dark side of maternal love and the lengths one might go to protect a child.

The film garnered positive reviews, particularly for its suspenseful atmosphere, strong performances from the lead actresses, and its exploration of psychological themes. Critics often highlighted its ability to build tension and its unsettling portrayal of maternal obsession and guilt.

• Praised for its taut psychological thriller elements and escalating suspense.

• Virginie Efira and Clotilde Hesme deliver compelling performances as two mothers entangled in a web of suspicion.

• The film effectively explores themes of guilt, grief, and maternal instinct pushed to its extreme.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's suspenseful narrative and the emotional depth of the central performances, finding it to be a gripping psychological drama. Some viewers noted the slow build-up of tension as a strength, while others found certain plot developments to be predictable.

Nominated for 1 Magritte Award (Best Actress for Virginie Efira).

While the film is set in the 1970s, the director chose to retain a modern aesthetic in the cinematography and production design, creating a timeless yet unsettling atmosphere.