Every once in a while, the annual film festival circuit propels something extraordinary into the public consciousness – and the competition at Cannes is often the engine room for that particular kind of buzz. 2014 was no exception, and a newly released trailer is now giving the wider cinema-going audience its first real look at the winner of this year’s Jury Prize – Mommy.
Written and directed by filmmaker Xavier Dolan (Tom At The Farm), Mommy stars Anne Dorval (The Family Parent), Antoine-Olivier Pilon (Laurence Anyways) and Suzanna Clement (Amsterdam), in a tale that depicts the depth of the profound and singular love that exists between a mother and her troubled son.
The official synopsis is as follows:
“A feisty widowed single mom finds herself burdened with the full-time custody of her unpredictable 15 year old ADHD son. As they struggle to make ends meet, Kyla, the peculiar neighbour across the street, offers her help. Together, they find a new sense of balance, and hope is regained.”
What we have here, with this trailer, is a preview of a movie that is filled with energy and life. As our protagonists find themselves untethered from anything resembling stability, so does the camera – and the result is magnificent. While this mother and son cling to each other for all they are worth, the matriarch gathers us up as part of their team, and we’re off – spinning through life with them – getting by with nothing but wit and instinct. Given the trailer’s brevity, it is surprisingly refreshing and deeply moving to watch – suggesting an incredibly effective full-length movie that is well worth seeking out.
Aside from its Cannes success, Mommy has already screened to great acclaim at Telluride, Toronto, and Quebec, among other cities. The film will enjoy a limited release through Europe from October 8th 2014, and will feature as part of the London Film Festival on 16th October 2014. Until then, check out the trailer below: