I Killed My Mother is a 2009 Canadian drama film directed, written, produced by, and starring Xavier Dolan. The film follows the story of Hubert Minel, a 17-year-old high school student who lives with his mother, Chantale, in Quebec. Hubert and Chantale have a love-hate relationship, and Hubert is often emotionally and verbally abusive towards his mother.
The film explores Hubert's relationship with his mother and the struggles he faces as a gay teenager. As Hubert navigates his feelings of love and conflict towards his mother, he also deals with his own sexuality, his absent father, and his strained relationship with his boyfriend Antonin.
Throughout the film, Hubert's relationship with his mother becomes increasingly tumultuous, culminating in a physical altercation between them. Hubert is eventually expelled from school and sent to live with a family friend, where he begins to reflect on his relationship with his mother.
The film's climax takes place on the banks of the Saint Lawrence river, where Hubert finds his mother after she has attempted suicide. Hubert confronts his mother and the two have a cathartic conversation, leading to a symbolic act of murder that represents the death of Hubert's childhood.
I Killed My Mother is a poignant and powerful exploration of the complex, often fraught relationship between a mother and her son. The film was critically acclaimed and received numerous awards and nominations, including three awards at the Cannes Film Festival.
