Release date: 15 September 2017 (USA)
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Cinematographer: Matthew Libatique
Budget: $30 million USD
Box office: $44.5 million USD
“What hurts me the most is that I wasn’t enough.” – Mother (played by Jennifer Lawrence)
4 MIN Read Time
A Descent into Domestic Disruption: A Review of “Mother!”
Darren Aronofsky’s “Mother!” is not your typical cup of tea. It’s a film that burrows under your skin and refuses to let go, a waking nightmare disguised as a domestic drama. Jennifer Lawrence delivers a powerhouse performance as the unnamed wife, simply referred to as Mother, who tirelessly restores their idyllic but increasingly dilapidated home while her husband, a celebrated poet (played by Javier Bardem), wrestles with writer’s block.
Their tranquilly is shattered by the arrival of a mysterious couple (Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer), whose presence throws the household into disarray. The film descends into a chaotic ballet of escalating tension, fueled by cryptic symbolism and a pervasive sense of unease. Aronofsky masterfully crafts an atmosphere of claustrophobia, with the camera lingering on every creak of the floorboard and flicker of the dying crystal at the heart of the house. This pulsating crystal becomes a recurring motif, a symbol of both creation and destruction, mirroring the push and pull of their relationship.
“Mother!” is a film that demands interpretation. Aronofsky offers breadcrumbs of meaning throughout, from the never-ending renovations that seem to represent the cyclical nature of life and loss to the constant stream of uninvited guests who drain the life out of the home, perhaps symbolising the relentless demands of fame and the insatiable hunger of the public.
The ambiguity is part of the film’s power. Is it an allegory for the destructive nature of fame? A scathing indictment of consumerism and environmental depletion, highlighting our careless treatment of the planet we call home? Or perhaps a nightmarish exploration of motherhood itself, with Mother embodying the relentless sacrifice and often unseen emotional labour that goes into nurturing a family and a creative spirit? The beauty lies in the lack of a definitive answer, allowing viewers to find their own personal resonance within the madness.
The acting deserves high praise. Lawrence embodies the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood with raw vulnerability. Her journey from devotion to despair is utterly captivating. Bardem, on the other hand, portrays the self-absorbed artist with a chilling detachment, highlighting the often-unseen toll creative pursuits can take on relationships. Harris and Pfeiffer are equally compelling, their characters radiating an unsettling charisma that fuels the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Their arrival disrupts the fragile balance, injecting a discordant energy that throws everything into chaos.
“Mother!” is not for the faint of heart. It’s a film that will leave you unsettled and questioning. The violence, while not gratuitous, is visceral and shocking. However, for those willing to embrace the discomfort, “Mother!” offers a rewarding cinematic experience. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, prompting reflection and sparking conversation. Aronofsky isn’t afraid to push boundaries, and “Mother!” is no exception.
The film’s technical aspects are equally impressive. The score, composed by Clint Mansell, is a haunting soundscape that perfectly complements the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The camerawork is dynamic and often handheld, mirroring the mounting chaos and creating a sense of immediacy. The production design is meticulous, with the decaying grandeur of the house serving as a powerful metaphor for the crumbling relationship at its centre.
“Mother!” is a bold and uncompromising film that will stay with you long after viewing it. It’s a testament to the power of Aronofsky’s vision and the exceptional performances of its cast. While it may not be for everyone, for those seeking a cinematic experience that is both challenging and thought-provoking, “Mother!” is a must-watch. It’s a film that will burrow under your skin and force you to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface of domesticity and creativity.
My Rating: 7/10
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