Watch Mother's Little Helpers
- NR
- 2020
- 1 hr 33 min
-
5.3 (252)
Mother's Little Helpers is a dramedy film that premiered in 2019. Directed by Kestrin Pantera, the movie tells the story of four siblings who come together to take care of their dying mother. The story centers on Joy, played by Milana Vayntrub. She is the baby of the family and the only one who still lives at home with her mother. Joy is a struggling musician who has never quite figured out what she wants to do with her life. She spends most of her time smoking weed and avoiding responsibility.
When Joy's mother is diagnosed with cancer, her siblings come home to support her. First, there is April, played by Sam Littlefield. April is the eldest sibling and the most responsible. She has a successful career as a lawyer and is married with kids. April takes charge of the situation and starts organizing everything.
Next is Jesse, played by David Giuntoli. Jesse is the only boy in the family and the middle child. He is a stay-at-home dad who spends most of his time taking care of his three kids. Jesse resents April for being the favorite child and tries to establish his own place in the family.
Finally, there is Charlene, played by Breeda Wool. Charlene is the black sheep of the family. She is a drug addict who has been in and out of rehab most of her life. Charlene wants to prove to her family that she can be there for them despite her struggles.
The siblings have to navigate their complicated relationships with each other while also taking care of their mother. They each have to confront their own issues and come to terms with the past.
One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the portrayal of the siblings' relationships. They have a lot of unresolved issues stemming from their childhood that come to light throughout the movie. There is a sense of tension between them that feels very realistic.
The film also explores the theme of mortality. The siblings are forced to face the reality of their mother's impending death and come to terms with their own mortality. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of family and the preciousness of life.
The acting in Mother's Little Helpers is fantastic. Vayntrub is particularly impressive as Joy. She captures the character's vulnerability and angst perfectly. Wool is also great as Charlene, bringing depth to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional.
The film is beautifully shot, with a muted color palette that fits the tone of the story. The soundtrack is also worth noting, with a mix of original songs and covers that add to the emotional impact of the film.
One of the few criticisms of the film is that it can feel slow at times. The pacing is deliberate, which can be frustrating for viewers who want a more fast-paced story. However, the slower pace also allows for more emotional depth and character development.
Overall, Mother's Little Helpers is a touching and heartwarming film that explores the complexities of family relationships and the inevitability of death. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.
Mother's Little Helpers is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.