The Mother’ Movie Review

Jennifer Lopez has dabbled in various genres, from flaked-out underworld thriller romance to action and revenge. However, in her latest venture, "The Mother," she takes center stage in a down-and-dirty, grimly overwrought movie that executes action without asking questions. It's a departure from her previous roles, but Lopez embraces the challenge with her signature style.

"The Mother" is a Netflix action movie that blends ambition with pulp, resulting in a unique flavor. . Lopez portrays a military sniper-turned-broker of underground arms deals, who then becomes an FBI informant and a fiercely cool-headed protector of her 12-year-old daughter. The story unfolds in a suburban FBI safe house, where Lopez's character, known simply as "The Mother," is interrogated about her involvement with dangerous criminals. The film explores her complex relationships, including a pregnancy resulting from one of these liaisons, which leads to a harrowing betrayal and the forced separation of mother and child. Fast forward 12 years, and her enemies target her daughter, hoping to lure Lopez out of hiding.

The film's premise sets the stage for an adult-meets-kid action movie reminiscent of "The Professional" or "Logan." However, "The Mother" falls short of its predecessors due to its script, which feels more like a diagram than a fully realized narrative. Nevertheless, director Niki Caro, known for the soulful and acclaimed "Whale Rider," keeps the focus on Lopez's character and her primal connection to her daughter, driving the action forward with a raw intensity.

The film takes viewers on a whirlwind journey across multiple locations, resembling the pace of a nuclear-arms thriller. Once Lopez's character ambushes the luxurious Cuban estate of Hector, one of the arms dealers, the stage is set for a face-off that exudes stylized tension. As she rescues her endangered daughter, the film transitions to a cabin nestled in the snowy pine wilderness of Alaska, where Lopez had hidden for 12 years. Alongside her is Paul Raci, a compelling actor known for his role in "Sound of Metal," portraying Lopez's old military comrade, and Joseph Fiennes as Adrian, the scarred and relentless arms dealer pursuing her.

The climax features a thrilling sequence with Adrian and his henchmen on snowmobiles, reminiscent of classic ski chases. However, the execution lacks the majesty of those iconic scenes. Her character, a trained sniper, is occasionally pushed into unrealistic scenarios, leaving viewers longing for a film that truly showcases her abilities.

In fact, Lopez deserves a starring role in a modern-day remake of "The Day of the Jackal," a film that would truly capitalize on her potential. As "The Mother" comes to an end, one can't help but admire Lopez's ability to carry a picture like this, even if the film itself falls short of greatness. With her unrelenting determination and magnetic presence, she proves that she is a force to be reckoned with in the action genre.

While "The Mother" may not be the groundbreaking action film that fully showcases Lopez's talent, it's important to acknowledge the inherent strength of her character. As a sniper-turned-protector, she embodies a fierce determination and unwavering commitment to safeguarding her daughter. Lopez's portrayal taps into the primal instincts of a mother's love, driving her actions throughout the film. It's this emotional core that resonates with audiences and keeps them invested in the story.

Despite the film's plot intricacies and occasional missteps, director Niki Caro manages to maintain a focus on Lopez's character, never losing sight of her motivations and the bond she shares with her daughter. Caro's direction infuses the film with an intensity that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, even during moments that feel formulaic.

"The Mother" boasts a diverse range of settings, taking audiences on a whirlwind journey from the suburbs to the opulent Cuban estate and finally to the serene solitude of the Alaskan wilderness. Each location adds a layer of visual intrigue and serves as a backdrop for thrilling confrontations. From the stylized face-off against Hector in a candle-lit church to the adrenaline-fueled snowmobile chase, the film delivers on the action front, providing moments of excitement and intensity.