Mother's Little Helpers

Mother's Little Helpers is a 2019 film directed by Kestrin Pantera a well-established name in the independent film industry. The movie boasts a compelling ensemble cast including Pantera herself, Breeda Wool, known for her work on the TV series UnReal and Mr. Mercedes, and Milana Vayntrub, who is best recognized for her role in the AT&T commercials and acting in the series This Is Us.

The drama-comedy film revolves around a family coming together under one roof after being estranged for a very long time. When their mother announces she has a very minimum amount of time left - thanks to years of hard partying, the dysfunctional adult siblings return to their childhood home.

The film cleverly taps into themes of family, illness, mortality, reconciliation, and personal growth. The story explores the strained, humorous, and bittersweet dynamics of family relationships riddled with past misunderstandings, years of distance, and underlying love.

Each of the siblings has gone their separate ways and lives vastly different lives, but the imminent passing of their irreverent free-spirited mother draws them back. Their mother's imminent demise forces them to confront the lasting effects of their unconventional upbringing — fueling a mixture of anxiety, resentment, relief, and regret among them.

While the narrative is dealing with the gravitas of death, Mother's Little Helpers is also infused with subtle comedy— mostly stemming from the tensions and unresolved issues among the siblings, their distinct personalities, and their attempts to come to terms with their mother's condition. Each sibling is battling their inner demons and past while bracing themselves to bid goodbye to their mother.

The portrayal of the characters by Kestrin Pantera, Breeda Wool, and Milana Vayntrub, among others, is exceptional, capturing not only the complex family dynamic and their different perspectives but also each of their individual struggles. Their acting captures the essence of real-life siblings dealing with crippling grief, unresolved anger, and hidden love towards their mother.

Pantera does a fantastic job as a director, blending the themes of the movie in a balanced way — managing to evoke the seriousness of death, the complexity of family ties, the bitterness of resentment, alongside the humor ingrained in awkward siblings' interactions. Her tonal control also stands out — navigating seamlessly between the comedy and drama without comprising the gravity or the lightness of the scenes.

The script of Mother’s Little Helpers is sharply written, filled with emotion, wit, and humor. The dialogues are both heartfelt and funny, capturing the perfect tone for this kind of story. The beauty of this film lies in its simplicity - the narrative is not burdened with plot twists or sensationalized drama, it just tells a genuine story of resolutions, revelations, and acceptance.

Visually, the film is quite pleasing with thoughtful cinematography. It's beautifully shot with a warm, nostalgic palette, reflecting the idyllic childhood memories juxtaposed with the harsh reality of their mother’s impending fate—and by extension, their own mortality.

The film's soundtrack also deserves a nod as they complement the narrative and help drive home the story’s emotion. The carefully chosen tracks rise and fall with the varying moods of the film – sometimes lighthearted, sometimes reflective, and sometimes amplifying the palpable tension between its characters.

Overall, Mother's Little Helpers is a poignant, funny, and touching portrayal of a family trying to navigate their way through familiar yet uncharted territories of loss, regret, forgiveness, and coming to terms with their past. The film successfully manages to blend heartbreak with humor, making it a compelling watch for anyone who appreciates family dramas with a touch of comedy.