Watch Mother

Mother (Madre) is a haunting, emotional drama that takes the viewer on a rollercoaster ride through the intense emotions of a mother desperately searching for her missing son. Directed by Chilean filmmaker Rodrigo Sorogoyen, the film stars Aida Jabolin, Ignacia Allamand, Matias Bassi, Elvira Cristi, and Nicolas Duran, all of whom deliver powerful performances that drive the plot forward.

The story centers around Marta, a mother whose son has been missing for years. Her pain and longing are palpable as she continues to search and hope for his safe return. One day, a call from her son's ex-girlfriend comes through, indicating that he may be in danger somewhere in Spain. Against all odds, Marta sets out on a desperate search to find her son, discovering shocking and disturbing truths along the way.

One of the biggest strengths of Mother is its ability to delve deep into the psyche of its characters, specifically Marta. Aida Jabolin delivers a tour-de-force performance as the mother who is gradually unraveling under the weight of her grief and anxiety. As the search for her son continues, Marta becomes increasingly erratic and consumed by her obsession, often putting herself and those around her in danger. Her character is complex and multi-dimensional, and Jabolin masterfully portrays her conflicting emotions with raw vulnerability.

The supporting cast also brings depth and nuance to their roles. Ignacia Allamand, who plays the ex-girlfriend who contacts Marta, is understated yet impactful, conveying a sense of guilt and sorrow that lingers long after her brief appearances on screen. Matias Bassi, as Marta's son Ivan, is also memorable, despite appearing in only a few flashback scenes. His performance illuminates the close bond between mother and child, adding another layer of poignancy to Marta's desperate search.

The film's cinematography is stunning, with breathtaking shots of the Spanish coastline and winding roads. The use of color is also noteworthy - the muted, washed-out tones of Marta's memories contrast sharply with the vibrant, saturated colors of the present, reflecting her emotional state at each point in the film.

The pacing of Mother is deliberate and slow-burning, drawing the viewer in with its subtle tension and building to a heart-wrenching conclusion. Sorogoyen does an excellent job of keeping the audience guessing, offering tantalizing clues and red herrings along the way. The film is not without its moments of shock and horror, but it is ultimately a poignant reflection on grief, loss, and the lengths to which a mother will go for her child.

In conclusion, for those seeking an emotionally charged, suspenseful drama, Mother (Madre) is a must-see. The strong performances, stunning cinematography, and compelling storyline are sure to leave a lasting impact on viewers. Overall, this is a film that offers a gripping exploration of the human heart and all its complexities.

Mother is a 2017 foreign movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.