Mommy

A widowed single mother, raising her violent son alone, finds new hope when a mysterious neighbor inserts herself into their household.

"Mommy" is an onerous film to watch, and the deliberate and narrow aspect ratio provides little escape from the situation or cast. The characters steal the focus, and their performances are worthy of our attention. We can feel the despair and helplessness of managing the short-tempered Steve, and the terror in knowing he could snap on a whim. It's a long and emotional sitting, with limited moments of unassuming happiness. Family first.

MIFF 2014
139 mins