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The Mother


THE MOTHER
(2021, Ridder)
A film about mothers



"Don't worry. I'm not gonna be here long. I'll go soon."

In most cases, we grow up with our parents right beside us all the way. Since birth, through youth, and into adulthood. Maybe that's why we tend to take their presence for granted so often. After all, they've always been *there*. This belief serves as the premise of this short film from Blake Ridder.

The Mother follows Lucy (Ning Lu), a young independent woman that is surprised to find her mother (Crystal Wingx) at her doorstep one day, asking to stay for a while. Believing that she has had a fight with her father (David Yu), Lucy reluctantly agrees but tries her best not to let her mother interfere with her social life and everyday routine.

This is an interesting premise and it has a decidedly emotional story. Unfortunately, the performances feel forced and the whole execution is a bit in-your-face. There is a revelation towards the end that is supposed to pack a punch, but instead feels like a regular "we've told you so" chastising. But I suppose it all depends on each person, and how invested you are in it.

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