Kate (Lora Burke) lives out in the woods with her daughter Beth (Tessa Kozma). Away from society, this is a safe house after her husband was imprisoned for killing a child. When he commits suicide in prison, things get strained in the household. Things are also tense with her liaison, Hal (Colin Paradine), particularly when she comes onto him. Kicking him out of the house when he turns her down, Kate and Beth are set to be victims of a very personal home invasion.
Directed and co-written (with Ian Malone) by Craig David Wallace, Motherly asks how much will a parent do for their child. It’s difficult to get into the narrative too deeply since the more the audience knows beforehand will taint the enjoyment of their viewing. As the story unfolds, our perception and understanding of the situation are continually shifting and it’s wonderfully handled.
Wallace’s pedigree is mainly in serial TV shows such as Todd and the Book of Pure Evil, and he adapts wonderfully to a long-form feature. He creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere that’s brilliantly complemented by Spencer Creaghan’s brooding score and Christoph Benfey’s fluid camerawork.
Motherly is highly recommended, but try to go in as cold as possible.
