Queen of the Morning Calm

Queen of the Morning Calm is a powerful and raw drama film directed by Gloria Ui Young Kim and released in 2019. It tells the story of a single mother named Debra (played by Tina Jung) who works as a webcam stripper to make ends meet and provide for her daughter Mona (played by Eponine Lee). The film also stars Jesse LaVercombe as Brendan, Debra's neighbor and potential love interest.

The movie is set in Toronto, Canada, and opens with Debra on the verge of losing custody of her daughter, who is living with her grandmother. Debra is struggling to pay rent, pay for Mona's after-school program, and pay for her own education. She is desperate and alone, with no support system to turn to.

Debra's job as a webcam stripper is shown in its full, graphic detail, highlighting the exploitation and degradation that comes with it. She interacts with customers who ask her to do increasingly violent and degrading acts, adding to her sense of desperation and powerlessness. However, Debra is shown to be a fighter who never gives up, even when the odds are stacked against her.

Through her job, Debra meets Brendan, a garage mechanic who becomes her neighbor and potential love interest. He is initially judgmental of her line of work but slowly begins to understand her situation and support her. Their relationship is tentatively developed throughout the film, adding an emotional depth to the story.

The heart of the story, however, is Debra's relationship with her daughter Mona. The film explores the complexity of their relationship, with Mona frequently feeling neglected and resentful towards her mother. Debra, in turn, is torn between her need to provide for Mona and her desire to be there for her. The two are often at odds, with Debra trying her best to make up for her absence by showering Mona with gifts, but ultimately realizing that material goods can never fill the emotional void between them.

As the film progresses, Debra's situation becomes more and more dire, as she becomes increasingly indebted and risks losing everything, including her daughter. However, she never loses her fighting spirit, and throughout the film, we see her grapple with the tough choices that come with being an impoverished single mother.

Ultimately, Queen of the Morning Calm is a touching and emotional film that explores the struggles of lone parenthood and the lengths that some people are willing to go to provide for their families. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of Debra's situation, but it is also a story of hope and resilience, as she fights against the odds to build a better life for herself and her daughter. The performances by Tina Jung, Eponine Lee, and Jesse LaVercombe are all powerful and authentic, and the film itself is beautifully shot, bringing the gritty streets of Toronto to life.

In conclusion, Queen of the Morning Calm is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the struggles of poverty, lone parenthood, and the sex industry. It is a thought-provoking and emotional film that packs a powerful punch and leaves a lasting impact.