“Mothers’ Instinct” is a thriller starring Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway. Despite the presence of these two exceptional actresses, the film fails to deliver a convincing story.
Plot Summary
Set in the 1960s, “Mothers’ Instinct” follows Celine, who works as a caretaker for Alice’s son. Tragically, one day Celine’s moment of carelessness leads to the child’s fatal fall from a balcony. As time passes, both women struggle to cope with the loss. However, Celine begins to approach Alice’s other son, raising Alice’s suspicions and distrust.
Stellar Performances in Unconvincing Roles
Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway are two highly acclaimed actresses, both Oscar winners, known for their versatility in genres ranging from comedy to drama to thriller. In “Mothers’ Instinct,” they bring their considerable talents to bear, but the film itself does not live up to their performances.
From the outset, the movie feels artificial and overly contrived for suspense and mystery. The screenplay is the primary culprit: the plot twists are unconvincing, the narrative fails to engage, and the actresses’ outstanding performances are rendered forced and unbelievable due to the weak script. The credibility of their characters suffers in a film that feels contrived and hollow.
The Bright Spot: Cinematography
One of the few redeeming qualities of “Mothers’ Instinct” is its excellent cinematography and well-crafted setting. The film effectively recreates 1960s America, with meticulous attention to hairstyles, costumes, and even the subtleties of expressions and gestures.
Our Verdict
Despite having all the elements in place for a successful film, “Mothers’ Instinct” falls short where it matters most: the screenplay. The film is a thriller built on a poorly executed script, and with such a shaky foundation, success was unlikely from the start—even with its talented cast.
In summary, while Chastain and Hathaway give it their all, “Mothers’ Instinct” ultimately fails to convince both critics and audiences alike.
