First Watch ‘The Mother’ Review: A Star-Driven Thriller

“The Mother” delivers a gritty plot that sets it apart from the typical action film. Starring Jennifer Lopez in a role that showcases her physical prowess, the movie offers a refreshing throwback to the thrillers of the late 1990s.

With an amazing direction from Niki Caro and a talented team of writers led by Misha Green, “The Mother” exceeds expectations and stands out among the hit-or-miss offerings from Netflix.

The story centres around Rebecca (Jennifer Lopez), an FBI informant who exposes arms dealer Adrian Lovell (Joseph Fiennes) and criminal Hector Alvarez (Gael Garcia Bernal).

After surviving a violent incident during her pregnancy, Rebecca is forced to give up her daughter and go into hiding in Alaska. Twelve years later, her past catches up with her, and she must use her military and assassin training to protect her daughter, Zoe (Lucy Paez), from Adrian and Hector.

Director Niki Caro skilfully brings the stoic performance of Jennifer Lopez to life. Lopez, known for her versatility in drama and comedy, showcases her physical abilities in “The Mother.” With echoes of her strong character in “Enough,” Lopez defies her age as she engages in intense fights, shootouts, and car chases.

Maintaining a cool and composed demeanour as Rebecca, Lopez effectively portrays the character’s emotional restraint, which contrasts with her brutal and relentless takedown of adversaries. The film doesn’t shy away from bloodshed and offers some surprisingly graphic kills, pushing the boundaries without becoming overly grotesque.

The film features a small but effective cast, allowing the plot to remain focused and enabling viewers to develop a genuine concern for Rebecca and Zoe. Omari Hardwick delivers a solid performance as FBI agent William Cruise, keeping Rebecca informed about her daughter’s safety.

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Joseph Fiennes and Gael Garcia Bernal shine as the villains, with Bernal’s portrayal adding a touch of manic energy in contrast to Fiennes’ restrained and sophisticated antagonist.

Paul Raci’s pivotal role as Rebecca’s friend Jons leaves a lasting impact despite limited screen time. Most of the emotional weight is carried by Lopez and Lucy Paez, who effectively convey the mother-daughter bond through intense training sequences that bridge the gap of their lost years apart.

The screenplay, written by Misha Green in collaboration with Andrea Berloff and Peter Craig, surprises with its emotional depth. Jennifer Lopez communicates volumes through her facial expressions and brief lines of dialogue, but the film’s overall tone adds layers of resonance.

While action sequences dominate, the quieter moments hold more emotional weight than expected. Although Niki Caro is known primarily for big-budget films like “Mulan,” “The Mother” showcases her ability to capture the wilderness and primal instincts of a mother protecting her child, reminiscent of her earlier work in “Whale Rider.” The film benefits from Ben Seresin’s skilled cinematography and a score by Germaine Franco.

Despite its lack of originality in the story, “The Mother” remains a compelling watch. While the plot follows familiar tropes seen in numerous films and TV shows, the star power of Jennifer Lopez elevates the experience.

Although the film’s runtime feels a bit long, a faster pace and increased energy could have enhanced the viewing experience. Nonetheless, “The Mother” is an enjoyable film, and Jennifer Lopez’s performance makes a strong case for her taking on more roles of this nature.