MOMMY (2014)

Summary:

A widowed single mother, Diane "Die" Després, is struggling to raise her violent and unpredictable teenage son, Steve, who suffers from ADHD. After Steve is expelled from a youth detention center, Die is left with the daunting task of caring for him at home. Their volatile relationship is unexpectedly altered when a mysterious new neighbor, Kyla, a shy and stuttering former teacher, offers to help homeschool Steve and provides much-needed emotional support to both mother and son.

The trio forms an unconventional, chaotic, yet deeply loving family unit, navigating Steve's explosive outbursts, moments of profound tenderness, and the constant threat of institutionalization. The film explores themes of unconditional love, the challenges of parenting a child with special needs, and the desperate search for hope and connection in difficult circumstances.

Keywords: Mommy, 2014, Anne Dorval, Antoine Olivier Pilon, Suzanne Clément, Drama, Family, ADHD, Quebec.

Plot:

In a near-future Quebec, a controversial new law allows parents to legally commit unruly children to institutions without due process. Diane "Die" Després, a strong-willed, widowed single mother, finds herself in a desperate situation when her 16-year-old son, Steve, who has severe ADHD and exhibits violent tendencies, is expelled from a youth detention center after setting a cafeteria on fire and injuring another student. Die refuses to institutionalize him, determined to keep him at home despite the immense challenges and the financial strain.

Their tumultuous lives take an unexpected turn when Kyla, a shy, stuttering neighbor on sabbatical from her teaching job due to a nervous breakdown, enters their world. Kyla, initially hesitant, begins to form a unique bond with Steve, offering to homeschool him and becoming a calming presence for the volatile teenager. She also provides much-needed emotional support and friendship to Die. The three form an unlikely, co-dependent family unit, sharing moments of joy, anger, and profound love as they navigate Steve's unpredictable behavior and the constant pressure from external forces to give him up. Die, despite her struggles, fiercely protects Steve, dreaming of a brighter future for him, while Kyla finds her own healing in their chaotic dynamic.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Anne Dorval as Diane "Die" Després
• Antoine Olivier Pilon as Steve Després
• Suzanne Clément as Kyla

Crew:

• Director: Xavier Dolan
• Writer: Xavier Dolan
• Producer: Xavier Dolan, Nancy Grant, Sylvain Corbeil
• Cinematography: André Turpin
• Editor: Xavier Dolan

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: 22 May 2014 (Cannes Film Festival) / 19 September 2014 (Canada)
• Language: French
• Genre: Drama
• Running Time: 139 minutes
• Accolades: Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival (tied with Goodbye to Language); Canadian Screen Award for Best Motion Picture; nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the César Awards.