Review: Mother!

​Probably one of the most controversial films since Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange. At times, Mother! is compelling and others it's infuriating. I'm still trying to digest this film… 

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​Mother! is one movie that will definitely get under your skin and then some. Its thought-provoking themes are fueled with rage and terror. Darren Aronofsky’s (Black Swan) newest creation will truly piss off many mainstream audiences. Mostly positive reviews from critics alike, but contradicted with a godawful cinematic F score from audiences, Mother! is a rare film that will be dissected in the years to come. This is a movie that will send viewers running for the hills, at times, it had me even shocked and raged.

Aronofsky has been known for his controversial films in the pass (Requiem for a Dream, Pi and Noah), but Mother! is a whole 'nother ballgame when it comes to controversy. Fueled with biblical allegories and high end shock values, you’re in for a bumpy ride. Going back to the night that I saw Mother! I had no idea what to expect. The trailers were vague, but due to its opening weekend frenzy and F score… I was intrigued. Actor’s Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem helm the leading roles for the film, while actor’s Michelle Pfeiffer, Ed Harris, Domhnall Gleeson and Kristen Wiig wrap up the supporting roles. One could say that Mother! is a prophet of one’s ambitious artistic vision, while others would say that it’s nothing more than an allegory of off putting themes.

​I would except both answers for this type of film because at times I was compelled and at others I was infuriated. Lawrence and Bardem bust out their acting chops from the beginning frame until the last frame. The trailer was vague, so I will leave many plot details of this film vague as well. A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests (Pfeiffer and Harris) arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. Pfeiffer and Harris are a knockout of terror and lustful desires. Aronofsky uses the most of his devilish elements throughout this film and will leave you with an unlawful aftertaste. He takes his time throughout the first two-acts and by the third, Aronofsky sends his viewers in an unholy inferno full of horror and chaos.

​Mother! uses the most of its 115 minutes to push the envelope and for that I say job well done. At the beginning of the credits, you’ll be pondering in your seat of what you just witnessed on screen. One more quick opinion of mine after seeing this film, I believe that Bardem's character resembles God and Lawrence's character resembles Mother Nature. While their house represents our world of both good and evil. The two are sent through a living hell because of the sinful and destructive nature of humans. We witness this intensity during the last 20 minutes of pure torture and destruction. In the end, Aronofsky has the final laugh. Mother! is a movie that you’ll be trying to digest in the weeks that follow. I know that I still am. 

Mother! is rated R (Restricted). For strong disturbing violent content, some sexuality, nudity and language.