The Mother (2023)
The action-packed movie "The Mother" revolves around a resilient female combat veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life, particularly as a mother. The film is directed by Niki Caro, who belongs to an esteemed group of female action directors, including Patty Jenkins, Kathryn Bigelow, Gina Prince-Blythewood, Mimi Leder, and the Wachowski siblings. Despite the potential for the story to become overly sentimental, Caro skillfully maintains the movie's authenticity and emotional depth, ensuring that the characters don't lose their edge by the end. Although "The Mother" would have made a greater impact on the big screen, it is now available to stream on Netflix.
Jennifer Lopez has faced many highs and lows throughout her career, making her a resilient star in the industry. In her latest performance, she portrays a character who is emotionally reserved, and while this role may not require her to show much sentiment, Lopez brings an undeniable energy and determination to the role, powering through the film like a force to be reckoned with. Her performance is reminiscent of John Wayne's character in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" who famously said, "Never apologize, mister, it's a sign of weakness." Like Wayne, Lopez's character refuses to show any sign of weakness, propelling the film forward with her unwavering strength.
Lopez delivers a powerful performance as a mother who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her daughter, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. Her character is a skilled killer, having taken down 46 people during her time in the Middle East, and is always ready to fight and win. However, her love for her daughter Zoe becomes her sole focus, leading her to become overly attached and concerned for her safety, which draws the FBI's attention. To protect her child, she agrees to disappear and abandon her daughter, fleeing to Alaska as instructed. While her actions are understandable, the sacrifice she makes is a painful one, leaving her to grapple with the consequences of her choices.
However, it's unlikely that "The Mother" will give up and disappear into the wilderness. True to form, the movie's plot takes an unexpected turn when the antagonists kidnap her 12-year-old daughter from a school playground. The kidnappers take the girl to Havana, a location that is convincingly portrayed on screen by an urban area of the Canary Islands. Despite the long odds and seemingly impossible task ahead of her, "The Mother" is determined to rescue her daughter and bring her home, using her skills and experience to take on the kidnappers and protect her child.
Despite the film's various exotic locations, "The Mother" manages to avoid feeling like a mere travelogue. Credit goes to director Niki Caro and her team, who maintain a consistent sense of danger and tension throughout the story. The film strikes a balance between the serious and the emotional, creating a palpable sense of unease that permeates the narrative. The characters are tightly controlled, yet their emotional turmoil is always bubbling just beneath the surface, making for an intense and captivating viewing experience. Overall, "The Mother" is a compelling action-thriller that delivers both excitement and substance.
Throughout the film, "The Mother" faces numerous constraints and obstacles, but her resilience and determination make it clear that she won't be held back for long. As the story hurtles towards its conclusion, it transforms into a powerful tale of female bonding that has been foreshadowed from the very beginning. This transformation is earned through the characters' trials and tribulations, resulting in a cathartic and emotionally satisfying climax. While the plot has elements of a modern-day fairy tale, it's grounded in gritty action and propelled by a sense of urgency that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The characters are gritty, complex, and driven, and the film's unrelenting energy keeps the audience invested in their journey. Overall, "The Mother" is a thrilling and rewarding action-melodrama that will leave audiences both entertained and moved.
Jennifer Lopez delivers a performance as taut and tightly coiled as the story itself in "The Mother." The challenges faced by the characters are far from easy, demanding extraordinary amounts of patience and fortitude. Director Niki Caro shows a deft hand in guiding the sprawling narrative, maintaining a level of interest and curiosity throughout without resorting to cheap thrills or gratuitous violence. In fact, it's Caro's disciplined approach that gives the film its particular impact, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. The filmmaker and actress seem in perfect sync, as they work together to craft a story that avoids pandering to audience expectations, resulting in a peculiar and memorable film.