Watch The Bad Mother's Handbook

"The Bad Mother's Handbook" is a 2007 British television film directed by Robin Sheppard and starring Catherine Tate, Anne Reid, and Holliday Grainger. It is based on the novel of the same name by Kate Long. The movie explores the complex and often tumultuous relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as the challenges and joys of motherhood. The story follows the lives of three generations of women in one family: Karen, a single mother struggling to make ends meet and raise her teenage daughter Charlie; Nan, Karen's mother who is consumed by guilt and regret over her own failings as a mother; and Charlie, a bright but insecure young girl trying to navigate the ups and downs of adolescence.

As the movie opens, we see Karen working in a factory and struggling to provide for her daughter. Charlie is a typical teenager, rebellious and moody, and constantly clashing with her mother. Meanwhile, Nan is living in a retirement home, haunted by memories of her past and the mistakes she made as a mother.

Despite their differences, the three women are bound together by their shared history and their unconditional love for one another. As the movie unfolds, we see the relationships between them evolve and change, as they confront the challenges of growing up, growing old, and everything in between.

One of the main themes of the movie is the struggle to balance the demands of motherhood with one's own desires and ambitions. Karen, for example, is torn between her responsibilities as a mother and her dream of going back to school and pursuing a career in nursing. Charlie, on the other hand, is struggling to find her place in the world and figure out who she really is.

The movie also explores the ways in which family dynamics can be complicated by secrets and misunderstandings. Nan, for example, has been keeping a secret from her daughter and granddaughter for many years, a secret that threatens to tear the family apart when it is finally revealed.

Despite some heavy themes, the movie is also full of humor and heart, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of each of its characters. Catherine Tate is excellent as Karen, portraying her as a tough but loving woman who is doing her best in difficult circumstances. Anne Reid is equally good as Nan, capturing the complex emotions of a woman whose past mistakes have come back to haunt her. And Holliday Grainger shines as Charlie, portraying the angst and insecurities of a teenage girl with sensitivity and humor.

Overall, "The Bad Mother's Handbook" is a touching and poignant movie that explores the complexities and joys of motherhood with honesty and depth. It is a must-see for anyone who has ever struggled to balance the demands of family and career, or who has gone through the challenges of growing up and growing old.

The Bad Mother's Handbook is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.