Mommy is a French-Canadian drama film written and directed by Xavier Dolan that explores the relationship between a widowed mother, Diane 'Die' Després (Anne Dorval), and her unpredictable and sometimes violent teenage son, Steve (Antoine-Olivier Pilon).
The movie is set in an alternate reality where parents of unruly children can sign them over to an institution called "The School" until they reach the age of 18. Steve was a frequent visitor to this institution as his mother struggled to cope with his behavior, stemming from his ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder.
However, the movie begins with Diane picking Steve up from The School, after a judge allowed him to return home under her care. Diane is a brash and free-spirited woman who is fiercely protective of her son, despite his erratic and violent behavior. Her neighbor, Kyla (Suzanne Clément), enters the picture and forms a special bond with both Diane and Steve. Kyla is a former high school teacher who left work due to a stutter that she developed after being assaulted by a student. She offers to tutor Steve and becomes a surrogate mother figure to him.
As the movie progresses, the relationships between Diane, Steve, and Kyla become more complex as they navigate their individual struggles and attempt to create a stable and loving family unit. The film is shot in a unique aspect ratio of 1:1, which creates an intense and intimate atmosphere for the audience. The emotional story, striking performances, and artistic direction made Mommy a critically acclaimed and powerful film about family, love, and perseverance.
