Mom and Dad (2017)

A teenage girl and her little brother must survive a wild 24 hours during which a mass hysteria of unknown origins causes parents to turn violently on their own kids.

Director:

Brian Taylor

Writer:

Brian Taylor

Stars:

Nicolas Cage, Selma Blair, Anne Winters

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nicolas Cage	...	Brent
Selma Blair	...	Kendall
Anne Winters	...	Carly
Zackary Arthur	...	Josh
Robert T. Cunningham	...	Damon (as Robert Cunningham)
Olivia Crocicchia	...	Riley
Lance Henriksen	...	Mel
Marilyn Dodds Frank	...	Barbara
Samantha Lemole	...	Jenna
Joseph D. Reitman	...	Homeroom Teacher
Rachel Melvin	...	Jeanne
Bobby Richards	...	Dan
Sharon Gee	...	Sun-Yi
Edwin Lee Gibson	...	Mr. Hall
Brionne Davis	...	Tanner

Storyline

Definitely something terrible is happening on in the peaceful suburban community as, one day to another, former loving and caring parents mysteriously turn into ravenous carriers of an unfathomable pandemic that targets their offspring. Suddenly, every son and daughter (not only in the neighborhood but also in the entire nation) must to run for their lives, as the rage-filled murderous intent is simply as unstoppable as it is inexplicable. Of course, Brent and Kendall's teenage children are no exception, and before long, the simmering but usual familial tensions will take a completely different meaning. Kids, stop hiding. Mum and Dad love you so much.

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Plot Keywords:

high school | house | infanticide | husband wife relationship | rage | 

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Taglines:

They brought you into this world. Now, they'll take you out.

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Genres:

Comedy | Horror | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for disturbing horror violence, language throughout, some sexual content/nudity and teen drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 March 2018 (UK)

Also Known As:

Mom and Dad

Filming Locations:

Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Armory Films, Ingenious, The Fyzz Facility

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

John Waters named this film among his top ten favorites released in 2018. Ironically, it shares a title with Mom and Dad (1945), a film that Waters has previously cited as having a huge impact on his aesthetics and career trajectory.

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Goofs

The hinge to the basement is on the parents' side, so they could have taken the door off its hinges to get to their kids.

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Quotes

Brent Ryan: Now the world you kids are living in. The things you've seen on the internet. Mouth to dildo, dildo to ass, ass to ass! Hi Brent! Anal beads.

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Connections

Featured in Conan: Anderson Cooper/Selma Blair/Grizzly Bear (2018)

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Soundtracks

I Know That You Pussies Dont Want It
Performed by Bill $aber

User Reviews

Cage going ape crazy once more. And I loved it.

"I mean, I used to be Brent... and you used to be Kendall... and now we're just... Mom and Dad."

I'm sure some parents will experience it in their life. The moment you get a bit tired of your offspring. That you would love to put them on a rocket and shoot them to the moon, so that you get a little bit of time and space. Even though your love for your children is unconditional and sincere. This moment will only last a few seconds with normal parents before they look back at their kids lovingly and realize they can't live without them. Not here in "Mom and Dad". Here you'll see parents in a small American town, who suddenly turn into murderous psychopaths with only one goal. And that's killing their lovely children.

The cause of this parental hysteria is not entirely clear. Is it, like in "Cell", an electronic pulse that triggers their behavior? Or is it a mutated virus? Don't expect an explanation. In any case, it causes mothers to leave a little baby in the car which is parked on a railroad crossing. Or a big fat family man swinging around with a bloody baseball bat. And a bunch of fleeing students who are being tackled en masse by crazy parents. The movie isn't exactly horrifying or scary. Only the scene with the newborn baby gave me an uncomfortable feeling.

It feels like a typical zombie movie with parents walking around with a glassy look. The only difference is that they only have an eye for their own children and don't have the urge to chase every panicking teenager. "Mom and dad" is complete madness and highly entertaining. Nicolas Cage shines as the father who thinks he's a complete failure. His dreams didn't come true and his career isn't that what he had imagined. The same applies to his wife played by Selma Blair. A bitter-toned, exhausted mother who can't accept that her daughter doesn't show any affection anymore for her. She has been exchanged for weed smoking girlfriends and the omnipresent social media. Their frustrations become obvious during the pool table scene, where they pour their guts out.

It's been a long time ago since I've enjoyed total craziness which Cage can play as one of the best. In "Arsenal" he showed a crazy "Tony Clifton" type whose tirades were brilliantly played ans at the same time felt exaggerated. However, the disturbing hysteria and raging frenzy he shows here, exceeds this effortlessly. In a convincing way he shows that frightening look and pure anger. It's as if complete madness has taken over. I admit, It's also overly exaggerated. But that makes it humorous sometimes. The grandparents' moment was an ingenious idea and caused the story to take a different direction. Do you like a horror comedy with a slightly macabre atmosphere? Well, that means this movie is right up your alley.