Otherhood Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three moms, feeling forgotten on Mother’s Day, stalk their sons in New York and accidentally fix everyone’s lives while simultaneously having a mid-life crisis fueled by wine and questionable decisions.

🍿 Otherhood: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Mother’s Day Disappointment

Carol, Gillian, and Helen, three longtime friends, feel neglected when their adult sons fail to acknowledge Mother’s Day. Frustrated and feeling forgotten, they decide to take matters into their own hands. This shared feeling of being sidelined sparks an impulsive decision.

The Spontaneous Trip to New York City

The women decide to drive to New York City to surprise their sons and reconnect. Their impromptu road trip is fueled by a desire to understand their sons’ lives and reclaim their roles in them. However, their arrival doesn’t go as planned, leading to unexpected confrontations and revelations.

Unveiling Hidden Truths

During their stay, the mothers uncover secrets and challenges their sons are facing. Matt’s career is not what Carol imagined, Daniel is dealing with a painful breakup, and Paul’s lifestyle reveals hidden insecurities. These discoveries force the mothers to re-evaluate their relationships with their sons and themselves.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Carol Walker (Angela Bassett): A widowed mother who initially feels lost and disconnected from her son Matt, but embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
• Gillian Lieberman (Patricia Arquette): A piano teacher and mother who struggles to let go of her son Daniel and his choices, often interfering in his life.
• Helen Halston (Felicity Huffman): A divorced, image-conscious mother who tries to reconnect with her son Paul and come to terms with his life choices.
• Daniel Lieberman (Jake Hoffman): Gillian’s son who is dealing with a recent breakup and his mother’s overbearing involvement in his life.
• Paul Halston (Jake Lacy): Helen’s son, who is gay and navigates his relationship with his mother and her attempts to understand his life.
• Matt Walker (Sinqua Walls): Carol’s son who is working as an art director for an erotic magazine and struggles with his mother’s expectations.
• Erin (Heidi Gardner): Daniel’s ex-girlfriend who moves to Los Angeles but is ultimately won back by Daniel.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gillian Lieberman: “I birthed you.” – Said to her son Daniel after he texted her for Mother’s Day instead of calling.
• Helen Halston: “We’re not stalkers, we’re mothers.” – Helen rationalizes their unannounced trip to New York to visit their sons.
• Gillian Lieberman: “I forgave your dad.” – Gillian shares her experience of forgiving infidelity with her son, in order to encourage him to do the same with Erin.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Otherhood Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Otherhood’ hoping for a heartwarming comedy, and while it had its moments, I was ultimately disappointed. The premise was interesting, but the execution felt rushed and predictable. There were scenes that resonated with me, especially the ones where the mothers confront their own shortcomings. However, the overall experience felt a bit hollow and formulaic. I would only recommend if you have nothing else to watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Mothers with adult children”
  • “Fans of heartwarming comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about family relationships”
  • “People who enjoy movies with strong female leads”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief language”
  • “Some mature themes related to relationships”
  • “Infrequent alcohol consumption”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “While the stellar cast delivers commendable performances, the plot relies heavily on clichés and predictable storylines. The movie explores the theme of motherhood and rediscovery, but it lacks depth and originality.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Otherhood showcases the talents of Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette, and Felicity Huffman, but the film fails to provide a compelling narrative. The humor is often forced, and the emotional beats feel unearned, resulting in a mediocre viewing experience.

Audience Reactions

The performances by Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette, and Felicity Huffman were amazing and made the movie watchable.: Many viewers appreciated the strong performances of the lead actresses, despite the predictable plot and sometimes cringeworthy humor.

Overall Consensus: A feel-good film carried by its cast, but weighed down by a predictable plot and stereotypical characters.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Viola Davis, Diane Keaton, and Michelle Pfeiffer were originally cast as the leads.”
• “The film explores the themes of redefining relationships between mothers and their adult sons, friendships, and self-discovery after motherhood.”

🖥️ How to Watch Otherhood?

Otherhood is currently available for streaming on Netflix. As a Netflix original, it is exclusively available on this platform. While it is not available for purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV, you can access it with a Netflix subscription. Check local listings for DVD availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Otherhood, you might like these similar films:

• Dumplin’ (2018): Both films explore mother-daughter relationships and self-acceptance with a touch of humor and heart.
• Bad Moms (2016): Shares the theme of mothers rebelling against societal expectations and embracing their own identities.
• Terms of Endearment (1983): Deals with mother-son relationships with humor and moments of melodrama.

🛒 Otherhood Related Products

• Knock Knock Jokes For Funny Grandmas: A Hilarious Joke Book For Grandmothers (Knock Knock Jokes For … Book 1): This joke book is a great way for Grandmas to connect with their grandchildren. A sweet movie can inspire thoughtful gifts.
• Hanes Women’s French Terry Pant: Comfortable French Terry pants. Great for lounging at home. This is a cozy gift for mothers to enjoy.
• The Empty Nest: How to Help Your Marriage Survive and Thrive As the Kids Leave Home: This book is designed to help couples rediscover themselves and strengthen their relationship after their children leave home.
• Wine Aerator Pourer Decanter Spout – Premium Aerating Pourer and Decanter Spout (Black): Elevate your wine drinking experience with this premium aerator pourer.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Lean on Me” – performed by Corinne Bailey Rae

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Angela Bassett – “Otherhood,” Career Highlights and Real-Life Motherhood | The Daily Show

Ever wondered what Angela Bassett thinks about playing a mom in ‘Otherhood’, especially with her own kids? She gets real about it on The Daily Show, and it’s super insightful!

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