Watch Look At Us Now, Mother!

Look At Us Now, Mother! is a 2015 autobiographical documentary directed by Gayle Kirschenbaum. The film follows her journey to reconcile with her complicated and difficult relationship with her mother, Mildred. Through a combination of interviews with family members, old home movies and footage, Kirschenbaum paints a raw and emotional picture of her upbringing. The audience is introduced to a young Gayle, who navigates the tumultuous relationships with her parents and sister, often finding solace in her imagination and creative pursuits.

Kirschenbaum's mother, Mildred, is a domineering and critical figure in her childhood memories. She consistently belittles Kirschenbaum and undermines her confidence, leading to a strained relationship between mother and daughter that persists into adulthood.

The film takes a turn when Kirschenbaum decides to confront her mother about their history, which leads to Mildred revealing her own painful childhood experiences. The audience is given a glimpse into Mildred's own struggles with an emotionally distant father and a mother who abandoned her.

This revelation sparks a shift in Kirschenbaum and Mildred's relationship, as they begin to rebuild their connection and deal with their individual trauma. Kirschenbaum also explores how her relationship with her mother has affected her own journey as a single woman, struggling to find love and balance in her life.

Throughout the film, Kirschenbaum tackles tough topics like mental illness, family dynamics, and the effects of emotional abuse. Her willingness to expose her own vulnerability and showcase the complexities of mother-daughter relationships make Look At Us Now, Mother! a compelling and emotional watch.

The documentary is anchored by Kirschenbaum's honest and introspective narration, supplemented by interviews with other family members, friends, and therapists. Her use of archival footage and reenactments add depth and context to her memories, making the film feel like a personal diary come to life.

In addition to Kirschenbaum's story, the film also explores the broader themes of motherhood and the often-complex relationships between mothers and daughters. The film is a powerful reminder that no family is perfect, and that healing and growth are possible through understanding and forgiveness.

Overall, Look At Us Now, Mother! is a moving and powerful documentary that tackles complex family dynamics and offers a message of hope and healing. Kirschenbaum's story is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and is a must-watch for anyone who has struggled with their own relationships with their parents.

Look At Us Now, Mother! is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 57.