Mon Fils à Moi (2006)

A good film in which motherly love reaches pathological proportions. The relationship between mother and son is certainly captivatingly portrayed here, thanks in part to the strong acting. Despite this strong performance, the whole thing remains somewhat distant, and the father's aloofness eventually becomes unbelievable.

Translated from Dutch · View original

A small, oppressive film about a dictatorial mother who, in her obsession with her favorite son, has completely lost her way. Strong performances by the young debutant Victor Sévaux and Nathalie Baye, who—but that's beside the point—unfortunately turns out to be quite severely damaged by plastic surgery. Such a shame.
Dardenne actor Olivier Gourmet'slethargic attitudeis enough to make you jump out of your skin.

Translated from Dutch · View original

In my opinion, it's primarily a thriller. The film pays little attention to the psychology of the mother-son relationship. The mother remains a cold monster without much depth. The son is a somewhat richer character, but even that's not great. As a thriller, however, the film is very tight and quite intense, and that works well. The film has a tight, compact rhythm, so you never get a moment's rest, but don't expect the film to delve into anything.

Translated from Dutch · View original