Watch Mrs Lowry & Son

Mrs Lowry & Son is a heartwarming biopic film that explores the complex relationship between the famous British painter L.S. Lowry (Timothy Spall) and his overbearing, bedridden mother Elizabeth (Vanessa Redgrave), who was his biggest critic and inspiration. Set in 1930s Manchester, the film captures the everyday struggles of a hard-working, introverted artist living with his mother, who constantly belittles his artwork and his aspirations of becoming a respected painter. Lowry, who works as a rent collector, spends his spare time painting the industrial landscapes and working-class scenes of the city, often depicting the squalor and poverty of the working-class neighborhoods.

Despite his mother's constant criticism and lack of support, Lowry continues to paint in secret, often hiding his artwork from his mother's critical eyes. Throughout the film, we see how Elizabeth's icy personality and domineering behavior have a profound impact on her son's artistic career, leaving him torn between his love and devotion to his mother and his passion for painting.

As the film progresses, we witness the gradual disintegration of their relationship, as Lowry becomes increasingly frustrated with his mother's inability to appreciate his paintings and her unwillingness to let him pursue his artistic ambitions. We also see how Elizabeth's health deteriorates, which further strains their already fraught relationship.

The performances of the two leading actors are outstanding, with Timothy Spall delivering a nuanced, restrained portrayal of Lowry as a man trapped between his love for his mother and his artistic dreams, and Vanessa Redgrave giving a tour-de-force performance as the bitter, manipulative Elizabeth.

The film's direction by Adrian Noble and the cinematography by Josep M. Civit capture the gritty, industrial landscape of Manchester in striking detail, enriching the film's portrayal of Lowry's paintings and adding depth to the character's emotional journey.

Overall, Mrs Lowry & Son is a poignant and insightful portrayal of the complex mother-son relationship and the struggles of creative individuals under the weight of social and familial expectations. With its impressive lead performances, stunning visuals and touching story, it's a must-see film for anyone interested in art, family dynamics and the human condition.

Mrs Lowry & Son is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 42.