Mother and Child is an unique journey portraying the ripples of the choices we make and how they affect us and others in our life-paths. The film comes full circle, but takes a long time to get to the point – but the point is ultimately made with effective emotion.
Karen (Annette Benning) is a social gargoyle, holding everyone at bay with her dour attitude and glumness. Decades ago, she allowed her mother, Nora, to intervene and forced her to give up a daughter to adoption. In an act of redemption, Karen works at a rehabilitative center, so she can claim – at least on paper – that she is a good person, a remorseful soul. But her contempt for happy families, especially children is always at the forefront of her personality.
As her mid-life approaches, Karen encounters new people that remind her it is never too late to heal wounds of the heart in love-interest Paco (Jimmy Smits). With a new appreciation, she becomes desperate to find her daughter. The agency explains the only way for this to be possible is for both parties to agree. In a cruel Hollywood twist-of-fate, she may never find out her daughter wants the same.
Karen’s daughter, Elizabeth (Naomi Watts) is similar to her mother, but she uses sex and seduction to play games and keep people right where she wants them, under her ultimate control. A tough-as-nails attorney in a cut-throat law firm, helmed by Paul (Samuel Jackson), Elizabeth relishes in her ability to get results, regardless of who she steps on – she is ice cold. Still, the unanswered question, “Who is my mother” haunts her professional and personal life.
As the pieces of this adoption jigsaw are laid out on the screen, we meet a couple hopeful to adopt a child. There are countless hurdles they must jump over to make this dream a reality. Their lives intertwine with Karen and Elizabeth as the film explores levels of commitment and love, tugging at your heart throughout the conclusion.
I thought the movie was over at several different spots. The acting was excellent, and if you’re into heavy drama with some lighter, funny spots from Annette Benning and Jimmy Smits I say go see it.
