Four Mothers (Ireland)

Wow! This film was such a breath of novel fresh idea. Funny and very heart warming at the same time. There's loads of sarcasm and observational wit in the script and the execution is just brilliant. I quite enjoyed watching the film. There is something predictable about the story, but along the way we do watch some enjoyable characterizations and all the actors do a very commendable job. This is an earnest and generous film, a film with a lot of heart.

30-something Edward is a successful author in Ireland who is looking for his big break in America. He’s also the primary caregiver for his mother, Alma, who recently suffered a stroke and is unable to speak without the assistance of a tablet that verbalizes her words. Edward's agents want him to bring his queer-themed Young Adult novel to the States to find the readership they think it deserves. He is also keen to go but the problem is who will take care of his mother? Edward's best friends and even his longtime therapist are all in similar straits. They are gay and singularly taking care of their mothers. They may love their mothers, but care-taking can get pretty exhausting. Edward has a hired physiotherapist for his mom, Rafael, who he used to date but never was able to commit to him and hence Raf moved on and has a new boyfriend. Out of the blue, while Edward is looking for alternate options for his mother so that he can do a tour of USA, the two friends and the therapist, dump their mothers on Edward for 3 days to attend a pride fest weekend in Spain, and his problems quadruple. The friends are thoughtless, the ladies are demanding, and he's a doormat. Suddenly Edward needs to care for three women who he barely knows in addition to his demanding mom. Where the four mothers are stubborn and staunchly themselves, the one son is a sweetheart indulging all their whims. As you can expect, these three days bring about a self discovery in Edward, while we watch from the comfort of our seat. Eventually the women realize that Edward also has a right to live his life and do something for himself. All this is going on, while his publishers are giving him feedback that he needs to be more assertive in his speaking gigs and interviews. Eventually, he is able to go to USA, while the 4 women take care of themselves.

The film takes a dig at a lot of stuff like a pompous literary circuit, to modern attitudes to age, infirmity and sexuality; health care, the afterlife and showcases proudly a population that has all too willingly unshackled itself from an Ireland they are all glad to leave behind - even if some are less embracing of their gay sons than others. It is a lovely dramedy with a lot to say about aging, chasing your dreams and how complacency can keep you from realizing your full. There are a lot of funny scenes but also a hint of romantic gestures, loss of love and eventual living of the dream. I like how Raf joins Edward for these 3 days taking care of these elderly women. All 4 ladies have excellent parts and their brief history is shared with us giving an insight into their relationships they share and the kind of people they are. The core however is the bond between Edward and his mother Alma. The two share an incredible understanding with each other. Having said that, the real star is undoubtedly Edward, a brilliant actor. I connected with him at so many levels.  It is a joy watching him be a doting son, semi-successful writer and bad interviewee. There is this scene that Raf and his boyfriend are moving to France and Edward is returning home with his mother from his farewell party. I almost had tears in my eyes because sometimes silence speaks so much. He was brilliant. The guy playing Raf also did a great job. Raf personifies a moment of serenity for both Edward and Alma as the chaos of the weekend (and life) unfolds around them. Some sharp witty dialogues at the beginning when we are introduced to Edward's friends were quite nice too. I am a fir, believer that parents should not be sent to old age care homes. Instead it's the duty of the children to take care of them and nurture them. This film blends humor and insight and treats its elderly characters with compassion and doesn't ignore the contradictory feelings one might experience in caring for an ageing parent. Of course making all the 4 sons as gay characters had its own charm. This allowed the film to explore the different experiences of the mothers, where they share their sons’ coming-out stories. 

this gentle and tender comedy is about the importance of human connection at all stages through life. With compelling performances and a tone that’s pitched just right, this is a warm hug of a film that will warm even the coldest of cockles. (8.5/10)