Watch Your Mother and I

The movie "Your Mother and I" is a Canadian dramedy directed by Anna Maguire and released in 2016. It stars Don McKellar as John and Julia Sarah Stone as Ella, a father and daughter trying to navigate their changing relationship as Ella prepares to move out and start college. The plot revolves around John's attempts to bond with Ella and reconcile with his ex-wife, Ella's mother. It is revealed early on in the film that John and Ella's mother had a complicated relationship, and that their separation was difficult for both of them. John seems to have trouble connecting with Ella, who is introverted and struggling with anxiety in the lead-up to her departure for college.

Throughout the film, John tries to engage with Ella through a series of increasingly quirky and eccentric activities. He takes her to a roller rink, where he puts on rollerblades and tries to show her how to skate backwards. He takes her to a demolition derby, where they watch old cars crash into each other. He even takes her on a camping trip to a remote island, where they kayak and explore the wilderness together.

Meanwhile, John's relationship with Ella's mother slowly begins to thaw. They talk on the phone and exchange awkward pleasantries, but it becomes clear that John still has feelings for her despite everything that's happened between them. Ella, however, seems more focused on her own dreams and goals. She reveals that she wants to study art in college, but worries that she doesn't have what it takes to succeed.

As the movie progresses, the relationships between the characters become more complicated. John begins to realize that he may be holding onto unrealistic expectations for what his relationship with Ella should look like. Ella, in turn, begins to confront her own insecurities and doubts about her future. And while John and Ella's mother tentatively explore the possibility of rekindling their romance, it becomes clear that the past cannot be erased so easily.

One of the strengths of "Your Mother and I" is its emphasis on character development. The film doesn't rely on any grand plot twists or action sequences to keep the audience engaged. Instead, the focus is firmly on John and Ella, and their attempts to understand one another. Don McKellar and Julia Sarah Stone both deliver excellent performances, conveying the complex emotions of their characters with nuance and subtlety.

At the heart of the film is a theme of acceptance - acceptance of oneself, acceptance of others, and acceptance of the fact that life is messy and often unpredictable. The characters struggle with their own personal demons, and with the ways in which their relationships have been shaped by past traumas and mistakes. But in the end, they are able to find a sense of connection and purpose despite these difficulties.

Overall, "Your Mother and I" is a well-crafted and often moving exploration of family dynamics and the process of growing up. It may not be a film for everyone, but for those who appreciate character-driven dramas with a strong emotional core, it is definitely worth a watch.