Mother! (2017) Parents Guide
This guide is meant to help parents and caregivers understand the movie Mother! (2017) and its content. This psychological horror film, directed by Darren Aronofsky, stars Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem as a couple whose peaceful life is disrupted by the arrival of mysterious guests. The film explores themes of creation, destruction, and the Bible. It has been rated R for strong disturbing violent content, some sexuality, nudity and language.
Plot Summary
Mother! tells the story of a young couple, a poet (Javier Bardem) and his wife (Jennifer Lawrence), who are living a secluded life in a beautiful, old house. Their peaceful existence is shattered when an unexpected visitor arrives, claiming to be a long-lost fan of the poet. This visitor’s arrival disrupts the couple’s tranquility, and soon a steady stream of guests begins to arrive, each more intrusive and demanding than the last. The wife, who is pregnant and deeply sensitive to the changes happening around her, becomes increasingly unnerved by the guests’ behavior and the way her husband seems to be embracing their intrusion. As the situation escalates, the guests’ actions become increasingly disturbing, pushing the wife to the brink of her sanity.
The film utilizes a surreal and symbolic style, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The audience is left to interpret the events and characters, making sense of the underlying metaphors and allegories. The themes of creation, destruction, and the role of humanity in the face of a higher power are central to the story. The film’s title, “Mother!”, is a direct reference to the wife’s role as a creator and nurturer, but also to the broader concept of Mother Earth and her relationship with humanity. The film culminates in a shocking and unsettling climax, leaving the audience with a profound sense of unease and a lingering sense of the fragility of life and the consequences of our actions.
Themes
Mother! explores a multitude of complex and thought-provoking themes, weaving them into a tapestry of symbolism and allegory. At its core, the film examines the relationship between creation and destruction, mirroring the biblical story of Genesis and the Garden of Eden. The wife, representing Mother Earth, is a symbol of creation and nurturing, while her husband, the poet, embodies the creative force and the allure of fame. The uninvited guests, representing humanity, disrupt the couple’s harmony, symbolizing the destructive nature of humanity’s insatiable desire and lack of respect for the natural world.
The film also delves into the theme of sacrifice, both literal and metaphorical. The wife’s increasingly desperate attempts to maintain order and protect her home highlight the sacrifices that individuals make for their loved ones and their beliefs. Her ultimate sacrifice, mirroring the biblical story of Christ, underscores the theme of selflessness and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The film’s ending emphasizes the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, leaving the audience to contemplate the consequences of humanity’s actions and the potential for redemption.
Violence and Gore
Mother! is a film that utilizes graphic violence and disturbing imagery to enhance its unsettling atmosphere. While not overly gory in the traditional sense, the violence is impactful and disturbing, often stemming from acts of aggression and the breakdown of the characters’ sanity.
The film features scenes of physical assault, including a brutal attack on the wife, as well as depictions of intense emotional violence and psychological torment. The violence is often symbolic and allegorical, serving to highlight the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the consequences of humanity’s disregard for the natural world.
The film’s surreal and dreamlike quality amplifies the unsettling nature of the violence, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer and contributing to the overall feeling of unease and dread. While not overly graphic, the violence in Mother! is undeniably disturbing and may be unsettling for younger viewers or those sensitive to such content.
Sexual Content
While the film explores themes of creation and destruction, often through symbolic imagery, it does contain some scenes that may be considered sexually suggestive. These scenes are not explicit but rather implied, and they contribute to the overall atmosphere of unease and disruption within the film’s narrative.
There is a scene where the husband is shown naked, although it is not graphic or exploitative. The film’s exploration of themes of creation and the relationship between the couple can be interpreted as having a sexual undertone, but it is not overtly sexual in nature.
The film’s focus on the psychological and emotional aspects of its characters’ relationships overshadows any explicit sexual content, making it more about the breakdown of trust and the destructive nature of unchecked desire. The sexual content is not the primary focus of the film, and it is presented in a subtle and symbolic manner.
Language
The language in “Mother!” is primarily used to create an unsettling and claustrophobic atmosphere rather than to shock or offend. While there are some instances of strong language, it is not excessive and is used sparingly. The film’s dialogue is often cryptic and symbolic, reflecting the surreal and psychological nature of the story.
The characters engage in heated arguments and express their frustrations through their words, but the language is not gratuitous. The film’s focus on the psychological breakdown of the characters and the tension within their relationships is more prominent than any explicit use of foul language.
The dialogue is often metaphorical and open to interpretation, contributing to the film’s overall sense of ambiguity and unease. The language used in “Mother!” serves to enhance the film’s overall atmosphere and themes, rather than being a primary focus of the film’s content.
Drug Use
While “Mother!” explores themes of creation, destruction, and the Bible, it does not depict drug use. The film’s focus is on the psychological and emotional turmoil of the characters, with their struggles and conflicts playing out in a surreal and symbolic setting. The film’s imagery and narrative are designed to evoke a sense of unease and disorientation, rather than to portray realistic depictions of drug use.
The film’s themes of violence, sexuality, and disturbing content are more prominent than any mention of drug use. The film’s disturbing and symbolic elements are intended to provoke thought and discussion about societal issues and human nature, rather than to glamorize or normalize drug use.
The film’s R rating reflects its mature content, which includes violence, sexuality, and disturbing imagery, but it does not suggest that drug use is a significant element of the film.
Frightening and Intense Scenes
Mother! is a psychological horror film that uses unsettling imagery and escalating tension to create a deeply disturbing and unnerving atmosphere. The film features scenes of violence, both physical and psychological, that are likely to be frightening for viewers of all ages. The film’s depiction of the couple’s home being invaded and their lives disrupted by a series of increasingly intrusive guests creates a sense of dread and unease. The film also features scenes of graphic violence and disturbing imagery, including a scene where a character is brutally murdered.
The film’s surreal and symbolic nature, with its ambiguous metaphors and unsettling imagery, can be particularly unsettling for younger viewers who may not be able to fully grasp the film’s complex themes. The film’s use of sound and music is also effective in creating a sense of unease and suspense. The film’s overall atmosphere is one of paranoia, fear, and dread, which is likely to be frightening for many viewers.
Overall Impression
Mother! is a challenging and provocative film that will likely leave viewers with a range of emotions. Its surreal and symbolic nature, coupled with its graphic violence, makes it a difficult film to watch and process; The film’s themes of creation, destruction, and the relationship between God and humanity are complex and open to interpretation. While the film’s unsettling atmosphere and disturbing imagery may be off-putting for some, it also offers a thought-provoking and unsettling reflection on the fragility of life and the consequences of our actions. It’s important to note that the film’s ambiguous ending and open-ended interpretation will leave viewers with many questions and much to ponder. The film’s powerful imagery and themes are sure to spark discussion and debate long after the credits roll.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for a film that explores similar themes of family, relationships, and the complexities of human nature, but without the graphic violence and disturbing imagery of Mother!, there are several alternative options. For a more traditional take on a family drama with a supernatural twist, consider “Hereditary” (2018), which delves into the dark secrets of a family haunted by a sinister presence. For a more comedic and heartwarming exploration of family dynamics, “The Farewell” (2019) offers a moving and humorous portrayal of a Chinese-American family coming together to celebrate a grandmother’s life. “The Mother” (2023) is another action-packed film with a strong female lead, but with a more traditional narrative and less emphasis on symbolism and surrealism. These films offer diverse perspectives on family, relationships, and life’s challenges, and may be more suitable for viewers seeking a less intense and disturbing cinematic experience.
Discussion Points
Mother! is a film that invites discussion and interpretation. After watching the film, you can engage your family in conversations about its complex themes and symbolism. Here are some points to consider⁚
- The role of the mother⁚ Discuss the character of Mother and her journey of sacrifice and suffering. How does she represent Mother Earth and the burdens she carries?
- The nature of creation and destruction⁚ Explore the film’s portrayal of creation and destruction. How does the film connect these concepts to the relationship between humans and nature?
- The power of art and creativity⁚ Analyze the role of the poet and his art in the film. How does his work reflect the themes of creation and destruction?
- The impact of uninvited guests⁚ Discuss the arrival of the guests and their impact on the couple’s life. How does the film symbolize the intrusion of humanity into a sacred space?
- The film’s ending⁚ Analyze the film’s ambiguous ending and its potential interpretations. What message does it convey about the relationship between humans and the divine?
Parental Controls
While the MPAA has rated Mother! R for strong disturbing violent content, some sexuality, nudity, and language, it’s important to remember that parental controls go beyond ratings. Here are some strategies to consider⁚
- Pre-screening⁚ Watch the film yourself before allowing your children to see it. This will give you a better understanding of the content and allow you to decide if it’s appropriate for their age and maturity level.
- Open discussion⁚ Engage in conversations with your children about the film’s themes and their reactions. This will help them process the content and avoid any potential misunderstandings or anxieties.
- Setting boundaries⁚ Establish clear boundaries regarding the type of content your children are exposed to. Discuss the importance of age-appropriate media and the risks associated with watching mature films.
- Utilizing parental controls⁚ Familiarize yourself with the parental control features available on your streaming services or devices. These tools can help you limit access to certain content and ensure your children are only watching age-appropriate films.
Mother! is a complex and disturbing film that will likely provoke strong reactions from viewers. While it is rated R for its content, it’s important to remember that parental guidance goes beyond ratings. Consider watching the film yourself before allowing your children to see it and engaging in open discussions about the themes and their reactions. Remember that parental controls are a valuable tool for managing your children’s exposure to mature content. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow your children to watch Mother! is a personal one based on your family’s values and beliefs. Use this guide as a resource to make informed decisions about your children’s media consumption.
