Film Review: Son Can’t Rise Beyond His Fate in Emotional ‘Mommy’

Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 30, 2015 - 9:38pm

CHICAGO – One of the odd unexplainable quirks of human existence is the shaping, variations and thoughts of our inner being. The physicality in the structure of the grey matter of the brain, with the slightest imperfection, can make the difference in a lifetime of behavior and perspective. Sometimes it can work out, and sometimes different consequences are created or destroyed, like the story of Diane Després in “Mommy.”

Rating: 4.0/5.0

This is an amazing story, based on a true incident, involving the Canadian mental health system. Diane “Die” Després raised a mentally maladjusted son, who was institutionalized with severe hyperactivity disorder, until his ejection from the system forced her to make a decision. At 15, a mother and child reunion takes place, a last ditch attempt to socialize her difficult boy. The story that writer/director Xavier Dolan fashions is about the value of fellow travelers and the freedom of looking at things differently. But also, despite all nurturing and hope for enlightenment, some mental issues can’t be overcome. This is a lesson in parenting, spirit and tough love, plus a dose of reality in the freaky process of developing the rational soul.

Diane “Die” Després (Anne Dorval) is a fortysomething widow whose 15-year-old son Steve (Antoine-Olivier Pilon) is coming home. He has been institutionalized for a severe mental disorder, which causes him to reject normal social interaction. When he comes home, he subjects his mother to outbursts of inappropriate behavior, hyper-sexuality and threats to her safety. The only safe harbor for Die is her neighbor Kyla (Suzanne Clement).

Kyla is also dealing with her own inner issues, which includes a sudden onset of stuttering, but agrees to take care of Steve while Die looks for work. Even though Steve continues his inappropriate outbursts, and actually tests Kyla with his behavior, the oddball pair form a bond. Just when it seems that the corner will be turned, one more incident could be the last straw, which means juvenile detention for the volatile son.

“Mommy” continues its limited release in Chicago on January 30th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Anne Dorval, Suzanne Clément, Antoine-Olivier Pilon, Patrick Huard and Alexandra Goyette. Written and directed by Xavier Dolan. Rated “R.”