The new psychological thriller movie “Mother!” is unlike any other psychological film released this year. Mastermind Darren Aronofsky, who is known for his films “Black Swan” and “Requiem for a Dream,” invites viewers into his mold-breaking thriller through the seemingly average relationship between the poet, played by Javier Bardem, and Jennifer Lawrence as Mother.
Aronofsky’s film made it hard to avoid pondering life’s bigger questions by the time the screen went black, such as asking why are we all here? And what is my purpose?
The film pokes at existence and how each individual decides to live it, whether the choice is striving to become as well admired as the poet, as settled and self-aware as Mother, or choosing to live a typical life.
In the film the subservient and agoraphobic mother would always support the career of the poet, who was experiencing severe writer’s block after the success of his first book of poems. Mother tells him that he should find peace and inspiration in the house they are living, but this ultimately falters.
Aronofsky seamlessly input heavy allegorical elements of the Bible in his film. The imagery seen in the climax of the film is representative to the seven plagues and the plight of humanity.
In his references to the Bible, Aronofsky simultaneously made a comment about the direction humanity is going. Sometimes people do as they please and do not mind who or what they hurt in the process.
The merriment of anarchy involved in such destruction makes audiences’ stomachs turn from both fear and anger, something Aronofsky skillfully does to create a film of absolute wonder.
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