Director: Xavier Dolan
By Alex Watson
French-Canadian director, Xavier Dolan has already made a startling impression upon the film world following his debut 'I Killed My Mother' and he certainly captured some serious mainstream attention (along with the Jury Prize) at the Cannes Film Festival for his feature film, Mommy. Dealing the with story of a single mother dealing with a son who is everyone's best and worst nightmare, this could make for compulsory viewing.
Diane Despres (Anne Dorval) is a widowed woman whose problematic son Steve (Antoine Olivier Pilon) has been released back into her care. Very soon she finds herself overwhelmed by her hyperactive and sometimes violent boy! Help soon arrives from shy neighbour Kyla (Suzanne Clement) who beings to help to repair the cracks that have appeared in their relationship. But the threat of trouble constantly hangs over the pair and soon Diane is forced into a difficult place.
Mommy is one movie that deserves the recognition that it has received because Xavier Dolan delivers a powerful yet painfully fun and honest film. Diane is having to deal with a force of nature in Steve who with his blonde hair and deep blue eyes can flip the switch between charming and dangerous in an instant! We learn early on that Diane is a tough woman with a hard resolve, particularly as in the opening scene we see her involved in a car accident on the way to pick up her son who is being sent back for starting a fire in a boarding school canteen!
From the moment he thrown back into her life, the water continually rises above her head. In one sequence Steve becomes a destructive tornado because she assumes he stole a gift for her! But she refuses to give up on her son to whom she dedicated everything. Their maniac behaviour does give way to the attention of stuttering and introverted teacher Kyla. Although she aids them in healing some wounds, she also appears to be saddled with her own life troubles. Smartly Dolan never fully reveals the trauma that caused her to become so withdrawn around her family which adds to her reclusive nature. But not once does Kyla feel confined to the shadows and her presence through is one of equal strength to Diane.
Throughout there are moments of great joy and an excellent soundtrack including Oasis, Counting Crows, Sarah McLachlan and yes... Quebec native Celine Dion help bring alive the happy buzz. But what goes up must come down and Dolan is forever keeping us aware that change is most likely around the corner. Steve is a sweet boy at heart but ultimately also one that cannot be tamed. One memorable fantasy scene towards the end showcases the life that Diane would love her son to have, but in reality it will probably be impossibility. What follows next will be the sound of heart shattering all around the theatre!
Anne Dorval makes for the perfect muse in Mommy and her portrayal as Diane is one that is awards worthy. Giving great strength along with a playful nature, Dorval succeeds in making us yearn for her to get through to her son and it is hard to imagine anyone else other than her bringing this character to life so believably. Antoine Olivier Pinon proves to be a maniac ball of energy that delivers that fire in the stories belly. His innocent appearance is forever juxtaposed with a constantly burning fuse that could set off at any moment. Pinon makes for a budding on screen talent and Dolan will no doubt be calling on this in future.
Suzanne Clement thankfully doesn't allow herself to be upstage by the powerful duo and as the quiet but passionate soul Kyla, she rings in her own stunning turn.
At only 25 years old, Montreal's Xavier Dolan is already an amazingly self assured director and Mommy is by far one of 2014's most emotionally engaging and naturally funny movies. If you only see one piece of Canadian cinema this year, this one probably deserves your attention!
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