Is Mothers Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2017, Mothers represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, War category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Angela is a successful writer, widowed and wealthy. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, War are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Angela is a successful writer, widowed and wealthy. Her son Sean was born in London where he attends university, while she lives in a small town in northern Italy. Fatima is Maghreb like her husband but her children Nadia and Tarik were born in Italy: Nadia married an Italian Catholic against the wishes of her Muslim father and Tarik studies in England. The English university is the place where the destinies of Sean and Tarik meet because they both fall under the influence of Omar, a recruiter on behalf of the Jihad. Sean and Tarik, inflamed by the man's words, will enlist to fight in Syria, throwing their respective mothers into despair. Angela and Fatima's paths cross at a psychological support group run by Dr. Diana. The group also includes Israeli Sam, who killed a terrorist before he carried out a massacre, Claire, whose husband and son died in a jihadist air strike, and Eric, whose daughter Sofia joined the freedom fighters, coincidentally as Omar's concubine."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Remo Girone does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Liana Marabini is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Mothers truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, War, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Mothers explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Liana Marabini respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Mothers is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Remo Girone or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Mothers is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.