Somebody's Mother (2016) User Reviews

An important film

[JGReviews · 8/10 · 12 April 2019]

Somebody's Mother is a powerful story about motherhood, grief, and the difficult road to recovery. The film follows two sisters, one whose baby dies tragically in the days after he is born, and another sister who is deemed unfit to care for her young child.

Somebody's Mother really hit close to home for me. Our son was born a year ago, so I've become much more attuned to a lot of the really emotional and challenging issues explored in this film. During our pregnancy, we had friends who experienced miscarriages and another whose son died just days after he was born just like the child in the Somebody's Mother. The emotional toll it took on the parents was staggering and it was very authentically shown in Somebody's Mother. Several scenes in Somebody's Mother mirrored real life experiences that I had seen myself -- the inability for the grieving mother to handle a baby shower, families being divided, etc. Similarly, Anna's scene where she is being completely overwhelmed by her screaming child is very authentic as well. While Anna was pushed beyond her breaking point, and ultimately made a dangerous decision, I think all parents would at least have to admit that they've been pushed to the edge before and did not know how they could possibly handle parenting their child at that given moment.

Somebody's Mother does an excellent job of telling a story that isn't really being told and that people are often uncomfortable talking about. The filmmakers and actresses did an excellent job exploring these very challenging real life issues that affect more people than we realize. It's vital that this sensitive story was handled with mature directing and honest acting, and the Somebody's Mother team deserves a lot of credit for doing that in this film. I think Somebody's Mother is an important film to see and I highly recommend it.

Very powerful, sad, moving film

[lindapalmer · 8/10 · 2 July 2020]

A tough and realistic look at the tragedy of losing children by two different mothers. Heartbreaking, honest performances make this a rare gem that should be seen.

very moving

[mich1elle · 8/10 · 5 December 2020]

Amazing actors bring this very moving movie to life. An honest portrayal of the emotions one would go through in these situations. I highly recommend this one.

Extremely Moving and Intense.

[bohemianpirate-871-383487 · 9/10 · 18 January 2019]

This film is incredibly powerful. Tackling a difficult subject with such vulnerability, Clara and Anne (Gabriela & Evelyn Tollman) were profoundly connected to this story and their nuanced work really stands out. I found their performances extremely moving and intense. I'm not sure how something like this gets made, but it's so wonderful when it does. A truly original work, worthy of so much!! Definitely recommend!

A beautiful film that stayed with me for days.

[ewerzowa · 10/10 · 24 February 2019]

This heartbreaking film Into loss and motherhood stayed with me for days. Somebody's Mother tells the story of grief as Claire struggles at her one year anniversary of her baby's death. Her sister ANNA comes to comfort her and the irony is she is failing at motherhood and feels trapped. The film is beautifully shot and acted by the Tollman sisters. The stages of grief and the difficulties of motherhood, Anna is struggling with Postpartum depression and hiding from her husband and left her child. A must see for all.

All elements of filmmaking come together here to create a very moving film.

[pz-72165 · 10/10 · 18 January 2019]

When dealing with children and the loss of children it's always an emotional ride. All elements of filmmaking come together here to create a very moving film. The dark moody cinematography enhances the honest heartfelt performances of the entire cast. The extreme close-ups the director uses brings you into the characters emotions and the score brings all these elements together. This is a rare gem of a drama from a great team of indie filmmakers. Two thumbs up.

Dark & powerful!

[alanakmd · 9/10 · 24 October 2019]

There is nothing worse than the loss of a child. This film tackles the grief and aftermath of that experience with an intimate honesty. The dark moody visual elevate the storytelling and the performances from the two sisters are compelling viewing!

A Harrowing Drama

[priest-21-556907 · 9/10 · 10 August 2019]

It's a moving and realistic portrayal of grief and the whole mix of questions and emotions that come with it. A deep,thoughtful and very human experience !

Sadness, Illumination, Reconciliation

[TheAll-SeeingI · 10/10 · 17 January 2019]

Penned by Evelyne and Gabriela Tollman and subsequently directed by Gabriella Tollman, Somebody's Mother is a filmmaker's masterclass in its deep exploration of the human condition. It's also one that reminds us that elite indie films are every bit as capable of manifesting the tonal consistency, storytelling subtleties, and excellence in cinematography, editing, and color process that the best of their major studio counterparts can achieve.

There isn't anything that isn't presented honestly and without aching vulnerability in this film about loss, grief, and guilt following the death of a child. And true to its subject matter, Gabriela Tollman conjures a deafening quietness in her spellbinding direction that remains unwavering throughout. The acting is wonderful, with the female lead demonstrating extreme nuance in pulling the vast weight of this story. Editing and cinematography are near-flawless in their thoughtful conception: The lighting deftly veers toward stage theater at times, providing a sense of isolation that almost leaves us feeling guilty for our voyeurism as we see the most inward-focused scenes play out in psychological seclusion.

In a real world in which soul-baring is only now gaining true understanding as a necessary step in psychological self-repair, storytelling relating to the loss of a child remains one of the last taboos - perhaps too painful to articulate for most storytellers and too difficult for audiences. But only in the telling can the arts once again be called upon to lift these isolated subject matters to the light. Somebody's Mother is that exact kind of lighthouse film - one that through its sublime crafting, execution, and quiet leadership allows us to engage the very deepest of our sorrows in search of redemption.

Must see drama

[johnapplebee-95947 · 9/10 · 18 January 2019]

This story is very deep and emotional. It starts off a little slow but as the movie goes on everything that happens unfolds and starts to connect like its suppose too. The acting and direction was so Good it kept me engaged throughout the whole movie

Really powerful drama

[thejhorton · 22 May 2020]

This is a beautiful indie film.. I hestitate to even call it Indie, because it is very slickly produced and acted study of motherhood and grief. It is a little on the sad side, but with strong message.

SOMEBODY'S MOTHER is an intense and beautiful film about loss and redemption!

[ryanbartongrimley · 9/10 · 29 November 2017]

SOMEBODY'S MOTHER is an intense and beautiful film about loss and redemption! The story is layered and nuanced, delving deeply into how a mother deals with and experiences the ultimate loss and grief a human being can experience. This is all set against the perspective of her sister who is actively engaged with her own similar issues. The images are sumptuous, the music layered and outstanding, and the performances by the lead actresses are top-notch. Somebody's mother is a personal, vulnerable and honest drama and you should see it. BRAVO!

Moving, heartbreaking and worth the watch

[williamgway · 9/10 · 4 December 2020]

A brilliantly scripted film dealing with the emotional costs and benefits of motherhood. Following the stories of two mothers who have lost a child. We see and feel with them the emotions that come with the loss and grief. If you have a child you this movie will activate all your senses as you process along with the mothers. It is heartbreaking at times but worth the watch. Very well done.

Honest and raw

[NZfilmfinder · 9/10 · 2 December 2020]

Dealing with loss and grief, confronting our shortcomings and inadequacies when we lose a child is what Somebody's Mother manages to touch on through the story of two mother's who've lost a child for different reasons. The story is moving and honest the performances are understated and sublime. This is a great drama that those with children will truly find gripping. This film pulls no punches, nor should it when dealing with a story based on real life experiences. The level of honesty and This is definitely one to check out.

Rich Storytelling!

[paige-b-alston · 10/10 · 23 May 2020]

The film offered an inside look to the affects of loss and grief. The director and writers vision presented a beautiful stillness with a glimmer of hope. I loved the profound moments of realness and relative matters that haunted the two mothers but also brought them peace.

Touching and Moving

[GilbertS-85 · 9/10 · 28 May 2020]

I felt especially attached to the story and the main two characters from the beginning. The acting and performances were honest and moving. It takes a kind of bravery to make a film that takes you on a journey through grief. The director's voice was confident, and her shots and shot choices forced me to go on an emotional ride I wasn't initially prepared for. This movie is definitely worth checking out.

Emotional, affecting, real

[directortim2012 · 9/10 · 21 May 2020]

This is a genuinely moving and affecting drama. These two sisters and their struggles will burrow their way into you. Once there, you're not going to forget them or this story anytime soon. I know I'll be thinking about this film for a long time. Just an extremely well done movie. The acting, writing and directing all shine. One of the best films I've seen recently.

A parent's worst nightmare makes for a worthy film

[catia-ojeda · 9/10 · 24 June 2020]

Beautifully shot with an excellent script, this is a worthy story of parental love and a sibling relationship. The journey on the road to recovery is long and unflinching, which is exactly what you want in an indie drama. The fact that some of this movie is based on a true story makes it even more impactful.

Powerful, thought-provoking and uplifting

[JCanni68 · 9/10 · 24 May 2020]

I really appreciated this film for it's raw and honest look at the difficult and dark aspects of motherhood. The contrast between two sisters and their very different experiences was fascinating and really made for a thought-provoking story. And I liked how the story was structured along the 5 stages of grief. The film is emotionally challenging, but ultimately is a triumph of motherhood, truth and life.

Powerful! A must watch.

[NUDavis859-1 · 9/10 · 5 December 2020]

The best compliment I can give the film is this: after the movie ended I went upstairs and hugged my 5-year-old boy and 1-year-old daughter and just appreciated what I have. The movie is powerful and endearing. It will make you cry. But most importantly it will make you be grateful of what you have. An amazing job!

Brutally Honest

[scottyknows81 · 7 December 2020]

The subject matter hits close to home on a personal level, which made some parts hard to watch - but there's a beauty in that pain and suffering.

I doubt many will watch this more than once, but everyone should see it at least that one time.