Based on a 2012 Belgian novel by author Barbara Abel, Prime Video’s "Mothers' Instinct" came out on August 13. The film features Anne Hathaway as Celine and Jessica Chastain as Alice. It is a thrilling and engaging movie bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Celine and Alice are neighbors with their respective sons Max and Theo, who are friends. After failing to save Max from falling to his death, Celine loses her sanity and murders her husband. Celine's depression takes over her mind, and she becomes obsessed with Theo. As Theo's mother, Alice is concerned about Celine throughout the movie. Alice is determined to prove that Celine is a murderer, but things take a turn.
Highs
Most of the highs in this film center around the masterfully crafted mood. "Mothers' Instinct" is not your typical drama film. It takes you on an unpredictable ride of wild paranoia. It keeps your heart racing and attention locked on the screen. The director establishes an edgy but somber tone throughout the last half of the film that continues to build to the climax. The movie gives the spine-tingling sense that something is wrong, and it feels like you are discovering what is happening at the same time as the main character.
The gripping performances of Chastain and Hathaway also make "Mothers' Instinct" a thrilling film. Hathaway’s performance as Celine is particularly impeccable. Celine is the character who leaves the audience feeling frustrated. The thrilling and psychotic role of Celine is different from previous roles Hathaway has played. With their excellent acting, Chastain and Hathaway hold the screen long enough for you to tell what their characters are thinking without even having to use any words. The actresses' expressions and different tones of voice capture their emotions effectively.
Another high of the film is that it is well-paced. "Mothers' Instinct" does not take its time to build the tension as it happens at the beginning of the film and slowly builds throughout. The lack of slow moments in a film, let alone a thriller, keeps the audience engaged. It allows the story to play out as it should without getting boring.
Lows
Some of the lows of "Mothers' Instinct" center around an incomplete ending and storyline. The ending leaves much to be desired and leaves the story feeling incomplete and disappointing. The film builds a great deal of tension, but unfortunately, it is cut off abruptly in the end without much context or pushback from the protagonist.
The story of this film, although well-paced, feels incomplete without more backstory or context to help the viewer understand all the events. For example, one scene in which the protagonist explains her past struggles with her mental health seems very important to the story, and it could have added to her character development. However, the movie brushes over it without much context.
Verdict
"Mothers' Instinct" is worth the watch considering Hathaway’s impulsive character. This is a thrilling movie that keeps the audience on their feet.
Rating: 6.5 out 10
