Shall I Be Mother?
Shall I Be Mother?

Movie spotlight

Shall I Be Mother?

1983
Movie
90 min
English

Susan and Jenny are aged 13 and 14 and in care. Jenny's mother has died, Susan hasn't seen hers for years. Both influence the close, stormy relationship that develops between the two girls.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Amanda RichardsonGenres: Short Film, Drama

Plot Summary

In a dystopian future, a woman discovers that her husband has replaced her with a synthetic duplicate. As she grapples with this betrayal, she must fight for her identity and existence in a world where humanity is increasingly being automated. The film explores themes of artificiality, ownership, and the very definition of being human.

Critical Reception

"Shall I Be Mother?" is a chilling and thought-provoking short film that garnered attention for its prescient exploration of technological anxieties and gender roles. While not widely reviewed in mainstream publications due to its short format and independent nature, it has been recognized within film circles for its stark visual style and unsettling narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and exploration of early dystopian themes.

  • Noted for Fiona Shaw's compelling performance as a woman confronting her own obsolescence.

  • Considered a significant, albeit niche, piece of feminist science fiction cinema.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this short film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in black and white, contributing to its stark and dystopian aesthetic.

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