Six Genre Films with a “Unique” Take on Motherhood
Mother’s Day has arrived, and we thought we would take advantage of this lovely holiday by briefly running down six genre films that represent, shall we say, an “alternative” take on motherhood. Are these films authentic representations of motherhood? Debatable. Do they align with a contemporary understanding of mental health? Mmmm, mostly not. Were they all made in good taste? Not really. Are they wildly entertaining and a whole lot of fun? This monster kid says heck yeah! So let’s get maternal (and a little weird) and dive in.
Psycho (1960)
“A boy’s best friend is his mother.” Indeed Norman, indeed. This classic chiller from director Alfred Hitchcock works on just about every level: thriller, psychological horror, and crime drama. This is not exactly a deep cut from the master of suspense so we don’t think it is too spoilery to say that the shadow of Norman Bates’ mother looms large. If you haven’t seen this great film, what are you waiting for?
Aliens (1986)
Badass heroine Helen Ripley is back in this slam bang sequel to the groundbreaking sci-fi horror film Alien (1979). In this installment, circumstances compel Ripley to become the impromptu guardian to an orphaned girl named Newt, the sole survivor of a terraforming colony overrun by xenomorphs. Ripley must serve as mother figure to Newt, while she and colonial marines battle the alien hordes and offspring of a big bad mama alien. It is only fitting that these two mothers square off in the finale.
The Baby (1973)
The titular baby is, in fact, a mentally ill 21-year-man raised as an infant by his “devoted” mother and very—very—strange sisters. This quite perverse take on arrested development earns its status as an ultra campy cult classic. I must admit, this is a very entertaining and engaging movie with colorful characters and a banger of a plot twist.
Gorgo (1961)
The eruption of an undersea volcano off the Irish coast releases a prehistoric T. rex-like monster who is promptly captured and exhibited at a London circus. Such exploitative behavior on the part of humans rarely goes unpunished in cinema and this film is no exception. Turns out this reptilian tike has a mama who is coming to the rescue, bringing destruction and mayhem with her. London Bridge will be falling down if Gorgo has anything to say about it.
The Babadook (2014)
Australian single mom Amelia Vanek navigates incredible grief, insomnia, and a supernatural force determined to destroy her and her loving yet troubled son. This terrifying movie runs on supernatural chills and raw nerve-shredding emotion. We featured this film back in March as part of our Women’s History Month Series. If you missed it back then by all means check it out!
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
This frightening tale of occult happenings in an iconic Manhattan apartment building features an unwitting mother of a literal baby from hell. The film is based on a novel by Ira Levin who also penned The Stepford Wives (we recently covered the film version here). Both novels and their film adaptations feature husbands and their accomplices gaslighting their wives with truly nefarious intent.
Cooky takes on motherhood aside, we at Concentric Cinema want to wish all the mamas out there a sincere Happy Mother’s Day. Love to our own Yassmeen; Stella and I adore you and appreciate all you do for our little family. Lastly, a special (extra) shout out to those single moms— you are heroes! We see you, we hear you!
