"Mommy" is a case study in behavioral issues in young adults and the systems that are in place in which to “protect” them. It's an uncomfortable and brooding march into oblivion with feel-good moments sparingly sprinkled throughout. Up-and-coming French-Canadian director Xaiver Dolan brings an exuberance and progressive style of filmmaking to the table that matches his youthfulness. Admittedly, this was my first Dolan experience and it left me on the verge of tears. I was supremely impressed, to say the least.
Fair warning for subtitle novices: it's a significant speed read at times, but the story itself is fairly easy to digest. Anne Dorval plays Diane Després, a widowed mother who recently regained custody of her son, Steve, after he attempted to burn down the boarding school he was attending. Steve's violent tendencies and Diane's unorthodox parenting yields a rather bizarre, yet intensely close relationship. Diane soon begins to receive parenting help from her new bizarrely estranged neighbor, Kyla, who eventually becomes a tight-knit third wheel. Together, the two ladies attempt to push Steve in the right direction and minimize his violent tendencies.
The cast is absolutely stellar across the board, and the actual film itself is aesthetically progressive beyond description. Dolan manages to confuse the audience by messing with the aspect ratio throughout the film, the likes of which can only be seen to be experienced. I assure you, though, that Dolan executes this unorthodox technique to perfection. I've never seen a movie that used differing aspect ratios before, so it was particularly jarring to me.
While the mother/son relationship is oddly uncomfortable at times to watch, "Mommy" is a movie you will lose yourself in and come out the other end feeling zapped of all emotions. Dolan manages to elicit every emotional response under the rainbow in an attempt to show the tumultuous nature of single-parent duties. This idea of Diane attempting to raise a rebellious son and Steve attempting to provide for his rebellious mother by obtaining a higher education is an ever-present duality that plays out brilliantly.
Unfortunately, there are no special features outside of providing you with the necessary subtitles. The film itself holds enough weight to make up for the lack of extras.
FILM: 4 Yaps EXTRAS: 1 Yap