Movie Review: Mother, Couch directed by Niclas Larsson – A Confusing yet Thought-Provoking Family Drama
I just watched “Mother, Couch” by Niclas Larsson. The film really left a mark on me by pushing narrative boundaries and exploring the absurdity of life.
Few do it like this film. It reminds me of the director Yorgos Lanthimos and his weird cinematic worlds. But for some reason, this mind-bending odyssey leaves me a bit confused.
Key takeaways:
Interesting premise for a deeper look at human connections and the power of our beliefs.
The story sometimes loses its grip, but the actor’s emotional weight, especially Ewan McGregor, keeps it grounded.
Synopsis and Themes
Based on the novel Mamma I soffa by Swedish writer Jerker Virdborg. The film follows a dysfunctional family, focusing on three estranged children, now adults.
Reluctantly assembled, they find themselves mysteriously trapped in an antiquated furniture store when its elderly matriarch, the mother (played by Ellen Burstyn), refuses to get up and leave one of the green display couches in the shop.
The protagonist, David, played by Evan Mcgregor, is then forced to face life-altering truths about his life and upbringing. As he seems to be the only one of the siblings who really cares about their old mother in this bizarre predicament, he confronts life-altering truths about his life.
Critical Reception
The reception of Mother, Couch has been mixed.
Critics have lauded the film for its “sensational” performances from an impressive cast that includes Ellen Burstyn, Ewan McGregor, and F. Murray Abraham.
However, the film’s chaotic and confusing storytelling divides viewers and has caused a bit of head-scratching. Some have described it as a “goofy ass movie,” lauding its unique but off-beat approach to exploring the human condition.
A Plot That Challenges Conventions
With 96 minutes of runtime, Mother, Couch has a bold story that challenges cinema norms, a wholly unpredictable experience. The movie follows David’s crazy life as he navigates a world of weirdness and big questions about identity, motherhood, and the human condition.
I love the idea of trying to connect all this, but sometimes, the film loses its grip, the threads start to unravel, and you’re left confused making sense of it all.
But that’s not always a bad thing.
It makes you think more about what you’re watching. A film that doesn’t give you answers just makes you ask: What does it mean to be a good human in a crazy and ridiculous world?
Complex relationships: Estranged Children
At the center of Mother, Couch is the three estranged siblings—David, Gruffudd, and Linda— who all have different fathers and seem to be strangers to each other.
As they navigate this bizarre situation, they have to confront the unresolved issues of their childhood and the dysfunction that has plagued their family.
What really saves Mother from all this chaos is Ewan McGregor. He’s the emotional center of the film and the only way in. He can convey emotion in a way that’s raw and simple and helps us find our way through the chaos.
Through his eyes we see a man dealing with loss, desire and the complexities of love. And in the end he has to confront his own beliefs about what’s good and right.
Cinematic Elements: Antiquated Furniture Store
The cinematography is beautiful, capturing the weirdness of the story through monochrome imagery that looks like a faded daydream.
The film’s score further enhances the experience, with haunting melodies echoing the characters’ emotional turmoil. It serves as a fitting backdrop to the surreal events, drawing viewers deeper into the world Larsson has crafted.
Other Performances
Ellen Burstyn delivers a compelling performance as the elderly matriarch whose refusal to leave the furniture store sparks chaos for her family. She has such a powerful presence in her acting that her character almost escapes the screen into the cinema where I’m sitting.
Linda Lara Flynn Boyle portrays Linda as a bitter, put-upon, and angry sibling who arrives at the furniture store smoking like a chimney and exhibiting anger towards everyone.
The film is further enriched by the talents of Rhys Ifans, Lara Flynn Boyle, Taylor Russell, and Lake Bell, all contributing to the complex tapestry of familial dynamics.
Conclusion
Director Niclas Larsson is brave for making such a debut film. Because Mother, Couch embraces the absurd while attempting to challenge conventional storytelling.
While it may sometimes lose its footing, Ewan McGregor’s superb acting ensures that the emotional core remains intact, providing a touching anchor amidst the chaos. For movie buffs and filmmakers alike, this film is a must-see for its bold experimentation and impactful performances.
Just be prepared to engage your mind and heart, as it invites you into a world that, while disorienting, is undeniably mesmerizing.
Have you seen “Mother, Couch”? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
If you like this film, I can recommend “Kinds of Kindness” by Yorgos Lathimos. You can read my review of the film here: Movie Review: The Craft of Yorgos Lanthimos in ‘Kinds of Kindness’
Where I also talk about the style of his filmmaking.
