Mothers' Instinct (2024): Another early 1960s suburban melodrama which segues into Noir and perhaps enters the slipstream of Horror. Alice (Jessica Chastain) and Céline (Anne Hathaway) are next door neighbours, best friends just as their eight year old sons are buddies. Céline's son Max dies in a tragic accident which Alice tried to prevent but was too late. Céline avoids Alice and goes into a hospital, she returns seeming still somewhat strained but reconnects with Alice and her son Theo. Alice worries about how close Céline is getting to Theo and fears that he might be at risk. Theo is allergic to peanuts and sometimes behaves oddly for an eight year old, acting both younger (carrying around a teddy bear). Yet also being inquisitive beyond his years. Alice wonders if Céline is gaslighting her or is her old paranoia and depression returning. Does this Noir tale contain a femme fatale? If so who is it? No spoilers from me you're going to have watch the film to find out. Beautifully filmed in faded pastel tones it even has scenes reminiscent of Carol and the recent Noir film Eileen. Great performances from Hathaway and Chastain with good support from Eamon Patrick O'Connell as Theo. Something bold is attempted here and while it may not quite achieve what the director aspired to, it's nevertheless a fascinating film. Directed by Benoît Delhomme, Adapted for the screen by Sarah Conradt from the novel Derrière la haine by Barbara Abel. 7.5/10.
Review of Mothers' Instinct
