We were invited to a special screening of ‘Mother Mary’ at SM North EDSA The Block Cinema 3, giving us an early look at one of the most unconventional and talked-about films set to hit Philippine cinemas.
Directed by David Lowery, and starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, ‘Mother Mary’ is not your typical cinematic experience. It leans heavily into mood, symbolism, and visual storytelling—prioritizing emotional interpretation over straightforward narrative.
Story. At its core, the film follows ‘Mother Mary’, a global pop icon on the brink of a comeback, who is forced to confront her past when she reunites with her former best friend and costume designer, Sam.
Beneath the spectacle of fame, fashion, and performance lies a deeply human story—two people trying to reconnect after a fractured relationship. The film explores themes of identity, ambition, creative ownership, and the emotional cost of success.
Mary’s rise to superstardom comes at a price. In the process, she neglects Sam—the very person who helped build her image. Now, as Mary finds herself needing Sam again, the dynamic shifts, placing emotional and creative power in Sam’s hands.
Actors. Anne Hathaway delivers a commanding performance, fully embodying Mother Mary with the presence of a global pop icon. In performance scenes, she is magnetic—owning the stage with energy and confidence. Offstage, she reveals vulnerability, portraying a woman struggling with identity and internal conflict.
Michaela Coel is equally compelling as Sam, grounding the film emotionally. Her performance balances Hathaway’s intensity, offering depth and restraint that anchors the narrative.
Together, their chemistry drives the film, especially during dialogue-heavy sequences filled with philosophical exchanges.
Visuals. Visually, ‘Mother Mary’ is stunning. The film often feels like a fusion of a high-fashion editorial, a concert film, and an A24-style art piece. The production design is striking—particularly Mother Mary’s wardrobe, which elevates the film into something resembling “fashion cinema.”
The music, featuring tracks influenced by Charli xcx, is immersive and atmospheric. Several performance sequences are executed so well that they feel like watching a real live concert.
However, one drawback is that some musical numbers feel cut short, leaving viewers wanting more—especially given how effective these scenes are in building the film’s world.
While the film’s ambition is undeniable, its storytelling can become overly abstract. At times, it leans too heavily into metaphor and philosophical dialogue, which may feel pretentious or inaccessible for casual viewers.
Recurring imagery—such as the flowing red fabric symbolizing a shared past—adds depth but also contributes to the film’s layered, sometimes overwhelming nature.
There are moments when the emotional payoff does not fully match the nearly two-hour build-up, making certain arcs feel less impactful than expected.
‘Mother Mary’ is ultimately more about experience than narrative clarity. It challenges viewers to interpret meaning rather than simply follow a story.
For some, this will be frustrating. For others—especially fans of experimental, visually driven cinema—it will be deeply rewarding.
LionhearTV Verdict. ‘Mother Mary’ is a bold, stylish, and emotionally resonant film that explores reconciliation in a world shaped by fame and identity. It may not be easy to digest, but it leaves a lasting impression.
In a time marked by division and disconnection, its message about healing broken relationships feels timely and relevant.
Rating: 4/5
‘Mother Mary’ opens in Philippine cinemas on April 22.
