What It’s About
In a shelter for teen mothers, a group of young women- girls, really- face daunting challenges. Ariane (Halloy) wants to put her baby up for adoption, though her unreliable mother (Cornil) begs to raise it. Now off drugs, Julie (Houben) trains to be a hair stylist, while mulling marriage to boyfriend Dylan (Jacobs). Perla (Laruelle) hopes the father of her child will make a lasting commitment, but he seems unsure and aloof. Meanwhile, about to give birth, Jessica (Verbeek) desperately searches for her own birth mother.
Why We Love It
The Dardennes are back in top form with this intimate ensemble piece, which plays like a documentary. The brothers have often explored the lives of society’s marginalized people, but “Mothers” hits a particular nerve because these girls are so young, starting their adult lives with burdens and responsibilities they’re ill-equipped to handle. This piercing film makes us root for them all, against stiff odds.