Watch Mary and Martha

Mary and Martha is a drama film from the year 2013, directed by Phillip Noyce, and starring Hilary Swank, Brenda Blethyn, and Sam Claflin. The plot revolves around two women, Mary (Swank) and Martha (Blethyn), who come from different backgrounds but are both brought together by a common tragedy: their respective sons die due to malaria. The two women bond over their grief and their struggle to come to terms with their loss.

Mary is an American woman living in Virginia, who is a successful interior designer. She has a teenage son, George (Lux Haney-Jardine), who dies of malaria after a trip to Mozambique. Mary is devastated by the loss of her son and feels responsible for not taking enough precautions to protect him from the disease. She decides to go to Mozambique to find out more about malaria and what can be done to prevent it. Martha is a British woman who lives in Kenya and runs a flower farm. Her son, Ben (Sam Claflin), has also died of malaria while volunteering in Mozambique. Martha is also struggling to come to terms with the loss of her son and feels guilty for not being there for him in his final moments.

Mary and Martha meet each other by chance while waiting for their flights to Mozambique. They strike up a conversation and discover their shared experience. Upon arriving in Mozambique, they discover the harsh realities of the disease and the devastating impact it has on communities. They meet a doctor, Dr. Bello (Eusébio Lázaro), who is trying to fight against malaria, but he is overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. Mary and Martha decide to help Dr. Bello in his efforts to educate people about malaria and its prevention.

As they work together, Mary and Martha form a deep bond and begin to heal from their grief. They also come to realize that the struggle against malaria is a long-term one that requires sustained effort and resources. The film deals with themes of loss, grief, guilt, and the power of community action. It also sheds light on the problem of malaria, which affects millions of people around the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

The film is anchored by strong performances from its two leads, Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn. Swank brings a sense of vulnerability and compassion to the role of Mary, while Blethyn imbues Martha with a sense of stoicism and resilience. The two actors have excellent chemistry together and their scenes together are some of the most touching and poignant moments in the film.

The supporting cast is also strong, particularly Eusébio Lázaro as Dr. Bello. He brings a sense of urgency and pragmatism to the role of the doctor who is trying to fight against a seemingly insurmountable problem. Sam Claflin, though he only appears in a few scenes, is also effective as Ben, Martha's son.

The film is beautifully shot, with breathtaking scenes of the African landscape and the vibrant culture of Mozambique. Director Phillip Noyce captures the beauty and the tragedy of the country, and the film is a tribute to the resilience of its people.

Overall, Mary and Martha is a powerful and moving film that deals with important themes and sheds light on a major global health issue. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of community action in the face of adversity.