Mothers’ Instinct Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two suburban moms in the ’60s compete for the ultimate prize: one kid, several murders, and a killer casserole.

🍿 Mothers’ Instinct: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Perfect Suburban Life Shattered

Alice and Celine are best friends and neighbors in the 1960s suburbs. They both have young sons who are also best friends. Their lives seem idyllic, filled with parties, laughter, and shared experiences. However, beneath the surface, subtle tensions and individual desires are simmering.

Tragedy Strikes

The perfect world shatters when Celine’s son, Max, falls to his death from a balcony. Alice witnesses the accident and is haunted by her inability to save him. The tragedy profoundly impacts both families, creating a rift between the two women.

Suspicion and Paranoia

Following Max’s death, Alice grows increasingly suspicious of Celine. Celine’s behavior becomes erratic, and Alice fears she blames her for the accident. Celine starts to form a close bond with Alice’s son, Theo, which intensifies Alice’s paranoia and protective instincts. Alice believes Celine is testing her sanity and potentially endangering her child.

Mounting Evidence and Escalating Tension

Alice’s suspicions are further fueled by a series of unsettling events. Alice’s mother-in-law suddenly dies after Celine is present. Theo suffers a severe allergic reaction. Alice uncovers drugs in Celine’s possession. Each incident intensifies Alice’s belief that Celine is a threat, though her husband dismisses her concerns as a return of past mental health issues.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alice (Jessica Chastain): A mother who suspects her neighbor after a tragic accident unravels their friendship and exposes hidden paranoia.
• Céline (Anne Hathaway): A grieving mother whose actions become increasingly suspicious after the death of her son.
• Simon (Anders Danielsen Lie): Alice’s husband who initially dismisses his wife’s concerns, contributing to the escalating tension.
• Damian (Josh Charles): Céline’s husband, whose sudden death raises suspicions about Céline’s true nature.
• Theo (Eamon Patrick O’Connell): Alice’s son who becomes the center of Céline’s attention after the tragic loss.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alice: “I just have this feeling that something isn’t right.” – Alice expresses her growing paranoia and suspicion towards Celine’s behavior after the tragic accident.
• Céline: “We have to be strong for each other.” – Celine says this to Alice, seemingly offering support, but it masks her true intentions.
• Simon: “You’re not yourself, Alice.” – Simon dismisses Alice’s concerns, attributing them to her past mental health issues.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $3,407,219

💥 Mothers’ Instinct Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a thrilling ride, and while the performances were great, the ending left me feeling uneasy. Hathaway and Chastain really brought the characters to life, and the 60s setting was beautifully done. However, the plot took some wild turns, and the conclusion was just not satisfying for me. It’s one of those films you’ll talk about after, but maybe not for the right reasons.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in films set in the 1960s”
  • “Those who appreciate strong female performances”
  • “People who enjoy suspenseful, character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Death of a child”
  • “Grief and loss”
  • “Paranoia and suspicion”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• ShowSnob: “A film of immense talents of Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, showcasing raw emotions and highlighting the tension-filled sisterly bond, makes the film a must-watch drama.
• Radio Times: “A disappointing Hitchcockian-light thriller with decent performances from Chastain and Hathaway, ultimately ruined by an inconsistent script, lack of intensity and the especially hard-to-accept ending.
• IMDB reviewer: “Mothers’ Instinct weaves a web of suspense, keeping viewers guessing about the characters’ motivations. The film hinges on the captivating performances of its lead actresses, who deliver powerful portrayals of women driven by maternal instinct. Stylish cinematography heightens the tension, creating a palpable atmosphere of unease.

Audience Reactions

Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway deliver powerhouse performances that keep you guessing until the very end.: The film is praised for its suspenseful atmosphere, strong acting, and visually stunning 1960s setting.

The shocking ending divides viewers, with some finding it realistic and others finding it frustrating.: Costume and setting were beautifully produced.

Overall Consensus: A visually striking thriller with strong performances from its leads, but its divisive plot and controversial ending may leave some viewers unsatisfied.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was shot in just 24 days.”
• “It is an American remake of the 2018 Belgian film, also titled ‘Mothers’ Instinct’.”
• “Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway not only starred in the film but also served as producers.”
• “The film is set in the 1960s, emphasizing the traditional lifestyle of the era.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mothers’ Instinct?

Currently, ‘Mothers’ Instinct’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms. Check options like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu to rent or buy the movie. Availability may vary by region, so confirm options in your area.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mothers’ Instinct, you might like these similar films:

• What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962): Explores the dark and twisted relationship between two sisters, filled with psychological tension and suspense.
• The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992): Features a seemingly helpful woman infiltrating a family with sinister motives, creating a suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere.
• Fatal Attraction (1987): Deals with obsession and the unraveling of a family due to an external threat, highlighting themes of paranoia and betrayal.

🛒 Mothers’ Instinct Related Products

• 1960s Retro Style Dresses: Capture the essence of the movie’s stunning visuals with dresses inspired by the 1960s suburban housewife aesthetic. High-waisted designs in pastel colors provide the perfect touch.
• Vintage-Inspired Cat Eye Sunglasses: Add a touch of retro glamour with these classic cat-eye sunglasses, reminiscent of those worn by the characters in ‘Mothers’ Instinct.’
• The Stepford Wives (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Explore similar themes of suburban paranoia and societal expectations with this digitally remastered classic film. Criterion Collection edition includes special features.
• The Perfect Nanny: A Novel: A thriller based on themes that are similar to Mothers Instinct. A seemingly perfect nanny with a dark secret sends shock waves through a family.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mothers’ Instinct features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “He Took It” – performed by Anne Nikitin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

She missed saving her friend’s son

Oh no! This short clip shows the exact moment everything changes for these two families. It’s intense and sets up the whole story – you’ve gotta see how it all unfolds after this!

MOTHERS’ INSTINCT: Alice confronts Céline – Film clip

Things are getting really heated between Alice and Celine! This exclusive clip shows a tense confrontation that reveals how much has changed between them. This scene is just fantastic.

✨ Rate