As a mother of three, I have always found myself drawn to stories that explore the complex and often intense bond between mothers and their children. Growing up, I was the eldest of four siblings, and my own mother’s love and sacrifices left an indelible mark on me. So when it comes to films that delve into this deep-rooted connection, I find myself captivated.
The movies you’ve listed are all masterpieces in their own right, each offering a unique perspective on the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, and the consequences that arise from those actions. From Alfred Hitchcock’s boundary-pushing Psycho to Bong Joon-ho’s critically acclaimed Mother, these films have left an indelible impression on me and countless other viewers.
One of my personal favorites is Mother, with its compelling performance by Kim Hye-ja. The way she portrays a loving matriarch who will go to any lengths to protect her child resonates deeply with me as a mother myself. It’s a complex morality tale that serves as a reminder of the power of unconditional love and the blurred lines between right and wrong when it comes to our children.
Of course, no list of films exploring the mother/child bond would be complete without mentioning Psycho. The iconic shower scene remains one of the most memorable moments in cinematic history, and the psychological exploration of Norman Bates’ relationship with his mother is still as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
So if you’re looking for a thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of the mother/child bond, I highly recommend giving these movies a watch. Just remember, after watching Psycho, don’t go near any showers for a while – you’ll understand what I mean!
The love a mother has for her child is often said to be unsurpassable. This bond can foster growth and help shape a child into a better individual, but it can also lead to destructive outcomes. Movies like the 1981 film “Mommie Dearest” are examples of this, symbolizing strained family relationships under a misguided maternal figure. When it comes to mother-son dynamics, things can become complex (even Zeus himself might agree), and these stories depicting extreme or disquietingly realistic family ties can result in unsettling and awkward films.
These films tackle challenging themes, yet they each do so with artistic finesse or impactful shock factors that make them compelling viewings despite their content. We’re counting down to our pick for the most powerful movie portraying a complex mother-son relationship in film, one that can be appreciated even without extensive analysis of the psychological aspects at play.
15
The Baby (1973)
In an unusual turn of events for her line of work, a social worker encounters the Wadsworth family, a household known for its frequent drug use and wild parties. At the heart of this dysfunctional family is a matriarch and her daughters who care for their youngest brother, whom they simply call ‘Baby.’ This adult man exhibits behaviors more akin to an infant, and his own family not only indulges but also inflicts abuse upon him. Moved by compassion and the belief that Baby may have been trained to behave this way, the social worker decides to intervene, aiming to help him escape his condition.
The Body of a Man, the Brain of a Baby
“This infamous exploitation film stands out with an unusual level of campiness that’s difficult to ignore. It offers a unique portrayal of a twisted mother-son relationship that is hard to forget, despite being challenging to watch due to the uncomfortable dynamic between them. The film, directed by Ted Post, is not for the faint-hearted, even though it doesn’t contain much graphic content. The storyline involves a man acting as an infant under his ‘mother’s’ care, who disciplines him harshly. The ending is equally peculiar, which makes the film more of a curiosity than a classic. You can stream ‘The Baby (1973)’ on Fandor, Night Flight, or Plex.
14
Throw Momma From the Train (1987)
If you’re seeking a humorous portrayal of a strained mother-son dynamic, look no further than the 1987 film “Throw Momma From the Train“. The character Larry Donner (played by Billy Crystal) is still reeling from his ex-wife’s deceit (she claimed a manuscript he wrote as her own). In a writing class, he encounters Owen Lift (Danny DeVito), who shares the burden of an unpleasant mother (Anne Ramsey). Fascinated by the concept of the movie “Strangers on a Train“, the two hatch a plan to resolve each other’s issues in a rather unconventional way.
A Devious Deal to Dethrone a Dotting Mom
Under the direction and production of Danny DeVito, Throw Momma From the Train garnered Anne Ramsey an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of a harsh and unyielding mother proved influential, serving as a template for many future ‘shrewish’ characters, and her over-the-top behavior towards her son was nothing short of hilarious. Overall, the film is a charming comedy that pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock, drawing inspiration from his work in Strangers on a Train, while adding a dark, comedic spin to it. You can watch Throw Momma From the Train on Pluto TV.
13
The Grifters (1990)
In this film, Anjelica Huston portrays Lilly Dillon, a seasoned blonde con artist, and John Cusack plays her estranged son Roy. Lilly, who works for a criminal bookmaker known as Bobo, hasn’t been in contact with Roy for quite some time. Upon unexpectedly visiting him, she finds Roy injured from a botched scam attempt. Lilly is displeased with Roy’s subpar con artist abilities and his girlfriend Myra (Annette Bening), who Roy doesn’t realize is also a con artist. Lilly urges Roy to leave the criminal lifestyle behind, while Myra encourages him to collaborate with her on an elaborate scam. Naturally, some sort of resolution will be required.
Mother Scams Best
In a 1990 thriller, director Stephen Frears intensifies the sinister aspect by portraying Lilly as a ruthless character who resorts to murder, attempted robbery, and seduction in an attempt to escape her crimes unpunished. It’s understandable that Anjelica Huston was hesitant to play such a vile mother, but the film has a sharp, dark wit and is visually stunning with its noir-inspired style, making it captivating despite its unsettling theme of a twisted mother-son relationship. If you want to watch “The Grifters”, you can stream it on Paramount+.
12
Ma Mére (2004)
Titled “Vent d’est” (East Wind) and premiered in 2004, this film was helmed by Christophe Honoré and is adapted from an adult, controversial novel about sex and violence published posthumously by Georges Bataille. The movie follows the story of Hélène, a young widow and mother to 17-year-old Pierre (Louis Garrel, who had already made a name for himself in Bertolucci’s “The Dreamers”). In her grief, Hélène exposes her son to a realm of debauchery.
We All Deal With Death a Little Differently
In the film “Ma Mére“, French actress Isabelle Huppert plays a character who transgresses social norms, and her role as Hélène is no different. From the start, her relationship with her son becomes inappropriately sexual, discussing past indiscretions intimately and later including him in an orgy with her friends. This sets the stage for Pierre’s unhealthy obsession under his mother’s influence. The movie was given an NC-17 rating in the U.S., but a version rated R is also available.
11
Hush (1998)
Martha (played by Jessica Lange) shows an overly affectionate behavior towards her son, Jackson (Jonathan Schaech). This affection, however, is found overwhelming by his girlfriend, Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow). Upon visiting Martha’s house, Helen discovers she is pregnant and marries Jackson. Jackson’s grandmother hints that Martha may not be trustworthy. Against Helen’s preference, the couple decides to live with Martha. It doesn’t take long for them to uncover family secrets about Jackson’s late father, which seem suspicious. Moreover, it becomes evident that Martha aims to keep Jackson and their baby close to herself.
Dealing with the Mother-in-Law
In essence, despite Hush receiving a varied response, Jessica Lange’s portrayal as the scheming mother-in-law stands out as a memorable career highlight. The film skillfully navigates the tense family dynamics among its leads, creating uneasy scenes that add to its suspenseful atmosphere. However, it falls short of being a unique masterpiece in the psychological thriller genre due to some overused tropes and predictable elements. Nonetheless, if you’re intrigued, you can catch Hush on Apple TV or Amazon Video.
10
The Babadook (2014)
Amelia and her son, Samuel, are facing hardships. With the weight of the past and the loss of her husband, Amelia finds herself raising Samuel on her own. Meanwhile, Samuel exhibits challenging behavior. He has developed a fear that a character from a book, Mr. Babadook, intends to harm him and his mother, leading to violent outbursts. As Amelia encounters strange happenings within their home, she grows more anxious and takes it out on Samuel, often responding in kind.
When a Mother Loses to the Monsters Under the Bed
As a devoted fan, I find myself feeling a deep sense of compassion for Amelia, the mother character, even as she descends into delusion and strains her relationship with her son. It appears that both characters have faced difficult circumstances in life, striving to find some semblance of normalcy. Regrettably, this doesn’t make their interaction any less tense or uncomfortable to witness. The toxicity persists, as Samuel’s outbursts are exacerbated by Amelia responding in kind.
However, when it comes to slow-burn horror films, The Babadook is simply unmatched in its excellence. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can catch it on AMC+, Mubi, Plex, or The Criterion Channel.
9
Ready or Not (2019)
Previously residing in foster care, Grace (Samara Weaving), appears to have hit the jackpot with her affluent in-laws prior to marrying Alex (Mark O’Brien). Despite this fortunate turn of events, she finds herself questioning why he’s been somewhat secretive about their past estrangement. On her wedding day, when they finally meet, it becomes apparent that the family is highly dysfunctional, with matriarch Becky (Andie MacDowell) at the helm. Grace assumes she can navigate through the family tradition mentioned by Alex’s father Tony, which revolves around a puzzle box and the drawing of a card.
A Family Bonds over Hunting the Deadliest Game
Unfortunately, Alex didn’t inform Grace about their family tradition until after she had drawn the Hide and Seek card. The tradition now required his family to hunt her down and potentially kill her, or face death themselves. As a result, a harrowing and nightmarish evening unfolded, during which both Alex and his brother Daniel attempted to help Grace escape. However, Becky was adamant about protecting her sons from the family curse, and she was determined to kill her daughter-in-law in this horror-comedy from 2019. You can stream Ready or Not on Hulu.
8
A Christmas Tale (2008)
2008’s Christmas-themed family drama finds Catherine Deneuve portraying the stylish head of the Vuillard clan, Junon, who is grappling with her leukemia diagnosis alongside her husband Abel. The revelation of this challenging health condition adds tension to an already complicated family dynamic, as they gather for the holiday season. In addition to their original two children, Elizabeth and Joseph, the couple had a third son in hopes he might serve as a bone marrow donor for Joseph who was also diagnosed with leukemia during his childhood.
A Matriarch Takes Control of Christmas
As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I must say that “A Christmas Tale” is a standout masterpiece that resonates deeply with me due to its raw and authentic portrayal of a dysfunctional family. Henri (Mathieu Amalric), the troubled son, is a character that I can’t help but empathize with, having encountered similar complex dynamics in my own family life.
Henri’s struggle to come to terms with his heritage and his failed attempt to save his brother is heart-wrenchingly relatable, and Amalric delivers an exceptional performance that brings the character to life. Catherine Deneuve, as Henri’s mother, is equally compelling in her portrayal of a battle-scarred woman grappling with the weight of her past mistakes.
The film’s exploration of trust, family secrets, and emotional turmoil feels incredibly real, making it a must-watch for anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of familial relationships. If you haven’t seen “A Christmas Tale” yet, I highly recommend streaming it on AMC+ or Mubi; it’s a beautiful and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
7
Luzifer (2021)
In a secluded lifestyle, Maria, who is overcoming addiction issues, lives with her intellectually disabled child, Johannes. They share a unique bond forged by their shared experiences of intense isolation, spiritual devotion, and mutual dependence. However, when a corporation seeks to construct a ski resort on their land, the relationship between Maria and Johannes becomes even more profound as they struggle with the impending change and the potential collapse of their self-created paradise.
A Mother and Son that Suffer Together
As someone who has spent years working with families and children, I find Peter Brunner’s “Luzifer” particularly captivating due to its exploration of alternative perspectives on morality within family dynamics. The mother-son duo in this story live largely isolated from society, adapting to a ritualistic lifestyle that challenges societal norms. To them, this is their existence, and if a child has never known any other way of life, it seems almost amoral for them to question or judge this lifestyle as long as no physical harm comes to the child.
However, from an outsider’s perspective, there is definitely something sinister happening in their relationship. The mother appears to inject her intense fears into her son, who is too young to fully comprehend the gravity of her words due to his limited experience of the outside world. This can have detrimental effects on the child’s emotional and psychological development, making it crucial for him to eventually be exposed to a broader range of experiences and perspectives.
Overall, “Luzifer” is a thought-provoking story that encourages us to question our own assumptions about morality, family dynamics, and the potential impact of isolation on a child’s development. It serves as a reminder that every family has its secrets and challenges, but it is essential to ensure that children are given opportunities to grow and thrive in a healthy environment.
The situation becomes increasingly intricate when Maria takes action against Johannes, aiming to reclaim some semblance of control over her life which is slipping away due to external influences. The series Luzifer presents a fascinating emotional journey by asking the son to act as both savior and adversary to one’s beliefs, creating a peculiar yet captivating emotional roller coaster ride.
6
Savage Grace (2007)
In my perspective, I’m referring to Tom Kalin’s 2007 dramatic piece that delves into the life of Antony Baekeland, portrayed by Eddie Redmayne, who inherits the Bakelite plastic empire and tragically takes the life of his mother, Barbara Daly Baekeland (Julianne Moore), at a young age. Antony, along with his parents, led an extravagant, globetrotting existence, marked by decadence, as both parents were involved in extramarital relationships. Their marriage dissolved after Antony entered into an affair with a bisexual individual, who also initiated him into the world of drugs. As a youth, Antony displayed early signs of schizophrenia, and whispers of an incestuous bond between him and his mother circulated.
Based on a Tragic True Story
“Savage Grace” – A potent blend of wealth, lust, substances, and insanity, with a mother’s excessive affection for her son serving as the grim heart
Performances by Julianne Moore and Eddie Redmayne elevate the film to the realm of authenticity, portraying in chilling detail the genuine events that unfolded. The movie boasts significant psychological complexity, making it an engaging yet unsettling watch for viewers, who will find themselves intrigued by the gripping account of Antony’s ordeal. You can catch this thought-provoking film on AMC+.
5
Pietà (2012)
Lee Kang-do is a ruthless debt collector who was once an orphan, living in South Korea’s impoverished slums. He displays harsh cruelty towards others and seems indifferent to improving his own life. However, when a woman named Mi-sun claims to be his long-lost mother, Kang-do initially reacts with anger and abuse, suspecting her of being an imposter. Yet, as he gradually accepts this possibility, he begins to confront emotions that he has long kept hidden.
A Lifetime of Trauma and Hatred Compacted Into a Single Meeting
Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-duk is renowned for delving into complex familial dynamics, and his 2012 movie, “Pietà,” stands out as one of his most intense and unsettling productions. This controversial film features disturbing themes such as incest, cannibalism, and extreme violence, which sparked controversy upon its release. However, focusing solely on the sensational aspects overlooks the intricacies of this story about shattered family bonds, a corrupted capitalist system, and an unprecedented tale of revenge. The character played by Jo Min-soo, named Min-soo, serves as the catalyst for dark deeds, portraying a chilling presence that surpasses even the relentless Lee Kang Do’s violence. You can watch “Pietà” on streaming platforms like Tubi, Fandor, or Flixfling.
4
Santa Sangre
Explaining Alejandro Jodorowsky’s film feels like trying to decipher a Salvador Dali painting – it’s filled with intricate details and unexpected tangents that make his work distinctively his own, featuring numerous surreal elements. At its heart, Santa Sangre is the story of Felix, a young man who grew up in a circus where he worked alongside his father, a knife thrower, and his mother, his stage partner. A tragic accident causes his mother to lose her arms, which pushes Felix over the edge into insanity, leading to his institutionalization. Upon his release, Felix returns to the circus only to discover that his mother has transformed into a cult leader who uses Felix’s arms for murderous purposes.
Mother Runs a Murderous Cult
This film, Santa Sangre, might be considered a unique blend of surreal horror and slasher genres. The main character, a young man, is commanded by his mother to commit several murders, yet it’s unclear if he willingly complies due to the bizarre circumstance that when his mother uses his arms, he appears to have no control over his actions, making his compliance seem uncertain and intriguing. Their relationship throughout the film is undeniably disquieting. The narrative and visuals are abstract and complex, making Santa Sangre more suitable for art-house enthusiasts. You can stream this intriguing movie on Prime Video, Screambox, or Kanopy.
3
We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on Lynne Ramsay’s gripping 2011 psychological thriller, “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” which was masterfully adapted from Lionel Shriver’s critically acclaimed novel of the same name. In this chilling tale, I found myself in the shoes of Eva, a dedicated working mother, who has always felt an uncanny disconnect from her son, Kevin (portrayed brilliantly by Ezra Miller). Kevin subtly resists my feeble attempts at affection with his cunning manipulations, yet he presents as a seemingly normal and joyful child in the eyes of his father, Franklin (John C. Reilly).
However, when another child, Celia, enters the picture, Kevin’s deceitful manipulation shifts its focus to her, escalating to the point where it appears he intentionally harms her. This dark and haunting narrative left me questioning the nature of family dynamics and the complex web of emotions that bind us together.
A Mother is Supposed to Love Her Son, Right?
As a movie reviewer, I found myself deeply moved by the captivating drama, “We Need to Talk About Kevin.” This thought-provoking film delves into the intricate dance between nature and nurture in the strained relationship between mother Eva (played brilliantly by Tilda Swinton) and her son Kevin. When a mother sees monstrous traits within her beloved child, it’s impossible to rationalize them away.
Swinton’s performance here is nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing her unparalleled screen presence as she navigates the torrent of complex emotions that Eva experiences. The film’s success speaks for itself; with 26 wins and 66 nominations at various festivals and award ceremonies, it quickly became one of the most talked-about films of 2011.
If you haven’t yet had the chance to see this masterpiece, I highly recommend adding “We Need to Talk About Kevin” to your watchlist. You can stream it on Prime Video, Mubi, Plex, Kanopy, or Pluto TV. Don’t miss out on this powerful exploration of motherhood, love, and the complexities that lie within the human heart.
2
Mother (2009)
Approximately ten years before the release of his global success “Parasite”, filmmaker Bong Joon-ho directed the gripping and skillful movie titled “Mother”. In this film, Kim Hye-ja delivers an outstanding performance as the eponymous character, a destitute widow barely making ends meet as a herbalist. Her world revolves around her introverted yet unpredictable son, Yoon Do-joon, who has intellectual disabilities. When a local high school student is found dead, Do-joon is apprehended due to his proximity to the crime scene, but his mother firmly believes that his friend Jin-tae is guilty and embarks on a quest to clear her son’s name.
A Mother Will do Anything to Protect her Child
A mother’s affection may occasionally cloud their judgment concerning the truth regarding their children, and Kim Hye-ja embodies this idealized maternal love perfectly. However, the broader consequences of her actions present a contrasting narrative. This is an intriguing morality tale skillfully written and acted. Mother stands out as one of director Bong Joon-ho’s finest works, a poignant story that explores the depths a mother will reach to safeguard her child. You can watch Mother on Plex.
1
Psycho (1960)
The timeless story of a troubled bond between a mother and son, Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 chilling masterpiece, Psycho. Initially, it appears the movie centers around Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) and the significant amount of money she embezzles from her job. However, the narrative takes a different turn when she stops at the Bates Motel, run by its amiable host, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). As the story unfolds, it delves into the enigmatic disappearance of Marion and mounting suspicions toward Norman, stirred by rumors about his unwell mother who seems to evade all attempts at direct interaction.
Boundary-Pushing Cinema
Pioneering filmmaking at its best, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho defied numerous cinematic norms – from depicting an on-screen couple in bed to presenting violence with gore. Yet, the narrative that resonated deeply with viewers was the intriguing tale of Norman Bates, who clung to his mother’s memory as a tool to maintain control over his actions and perpetrate heinous acts. It remains a timeless masterpiece of suspense, continuing to captivate audiences even after years since its debut.
Read More
- 15 Charged for converting Drug Cartels’ Cash into Cryptocurrency in U.S.
- OREO Unveils Six New Products for 2025
- XRP Price Eyes $2 Support Level Amidst Market Correction
- PYTH PREDICTION. PYTH cryptocurrency
- Paul Atkins to Replace Gary Gensler as Next SEC Chair?
- ‘Brides’ Finds a Distributor in Neon for Latest New Vampire Horror Movie
- Apple Lands Anya Taylor-Joy Led Drama ‘Lucky,’ Based on Bestseller
- TROTOAR Gallery Bridges Local and Global Art with ‘That’s What’s Up!’
- ‘Fast and Furious’ Star Paul Walker Remembered 11 Years After His Death
- Ben Affleck And Matt Damon Are Back To Work Together, And An Insider Weighed In On Their Longtime Connection
2025-01-01 08:04