Watch The Good Mother

The Good Mother is a 1988 drama movie directed by Leonard Nimoy, starring Diane Keaton, Liam Neeson, and Jason Robards. It is based on a novel by Sue Miller and tells the story of a divorced woman, Anna Dunlap (Diane Keaton), who struggles between love, duty, and her own desires. Anna is a young mother whose marriage has failed, and she has been granted custody of her only daughter, Molly (Asia Vieira). She is trying to rebuild her life, working as a restorer of paintings and flirting with a colleague, Leo Cuerva (Liam Neeson). Leo is a sculptor who is also dealing with his own personal issues, notably his estranged relationship with his daughter. Despite a rocky start, they embark on a passionate love affair, which complicates Anna's already complex life.

As their relationship deepens, Anna and Leo decide to move in together. But as they start to build a life together, Anna faces the disapproval of her daughter's father, Brian (James Naughton). He challenges the way Anna is raising their daughter and files a lawsuit to gain custody of Molly. The legal battle forces Anna to confront her own past and to prove that she is a fit and loving mother.

The Good Mother is a nuanced and thought-provoking film that explores issues of motherhood, sexuality, and the nature of love. It is a deeply emotional story that is anchored by the powerful performances of its cast. Diane Keaton is particularly excellent, giving a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of a woman who is trying to navigate both her own desires and her responsibilities as a mother.

The film is also notable for its frank and honest portrayal of sexuality. The love scenes between Anna and Leo are tastefully done and convey a sense of intimacy and tenderness. However, they also raise complicated questions about the nature of desire and the boundaries that exist between adults and children.

The Good Mother is a beautifully shot film, with Nimoy's sharp eye for detail lending a lyrical quality to the narrative. The scenes set in Anna's studio are particularly effective, conveying a sense of mystery and beauty that echoes throughout the film.

Despite its subject matter and emotional depth, The Good Mother never feels heavy-handed or melodramatic. Instead, it is a subtle and sensitive exploration of the complexities of human relationships. Both heartbreaking and uplifting, it is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.

Overall, The Good Mother is a powerful and resonant film that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. Its timeless themes of love, loss, and the struggle to find meaning in our lives make it a true classic of the genre.

The Good Mother is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.