Best Mom

Best Mom is a heartwarming yet humorous comedy that came out in 2018 directed by Larry Swerdlove. The movie features the remarkable talents of Krista Allen, Donna Mills, and Jeremy John Wells, who add depth and charisma to the storyline.

The film is centered around the insightful and unpredictable journey of Bridget, portrayed by Allen, who is a middle-aged woman struggling with the maze of motherhood. Bridget, who paints houses for a living with her husband Joe, creatively played by Jeremy John Wells, finds herself at odds with her daughter. The 15-year old independent, rebellious teenager Summer, is constantly battling with her mother in a tumultuous relationship full of typical mother-daughter struggles. Bridget is frequently feeling helpless and lost, not knowing how to connect with her only daughter who seems to be pushing her away amidst growing hurdles of pre-adulthood.

At this point, she meets her mother-in-law Peggy (Donna Mills), who is a key character influencing the arc of Bridget's character. Peggy's entrance brings new dynamics to the existing narrative, adding to Bridget's dilemmas, but also offering essential wisdom and experience that might help Bridget bridge the gap with her daughter.

As Bridget grapples with her strained relationship, she also wrestles with her own identity. Is she merely a house painter, or can she pursue a more fulfilling personal accomplishment? These internal conflicts, further complicated by the mother-daughter squabbles, find a humorous touch in the narrative, making the struggle less of a sobbing drama and more of a comedic journey, which makes the film unique.

Behind the humor lies a profound message about parenthood, relationships, personal growth, and self-discovery. The film portrays how Bridget, with her imperfect and often hilarious approach, becomes more adept at understanding her teenage daughter, while trying to maintain harmony in her relationship with her husband and mother-in-law.

The film masterfully encapsulates the full spectrum of emotions every parent goes through in their journey, showing that no one has it all figured out, and it’s okay. The performance of Krista Allen as the eccentric yet lovable mom is commendable as she beautifully captures the trials, tribulations, and ultimate triumphs of modern motherhood.

The performances of Jeremy John Wells as the gentle, loving, but often clueless husband Joe, and of Donna Mills as Peggy, the insightful and sometimes judgmental mother-in-law, consistently deliver the much-needed counterbalance to Bridge's character and add the right seasoning to this emotional, familial soup. Their roles depict the perfect imperfections existing in every family dynamic, making the audience relate closely to the narrative.

Best Mom is undeniably a family movie that doesn't shy away from bringing the audience face-to-face with the reality of parenting. It teaches valuable lessons about being comfortable with not being the "perfect" parent and emphasizes the importance of being understanding and patient with one's children.

Underneath all the comedy, Best Mom is also about growing, not just as a parent, but as a person. Bridget’s journey substantially highlights self-growth and realization that’s crucial for any individual, cleverly masked by humour and light-hearted banter.

It’s an enjoyable and relatable film for anyone who has ever been a parent, the perfect Sunday afternoon treat. It makes you laugh, tear up, and notably connect with the characters in ways that stay with you long after the credits roll. The film has a natural heart to it, with a touch of realism that is often missed in comedies these days.

Overall, Best Mom is not just a movie, but a heart-touching experience taking you through the ups and downs of motherhood. A film featuring flawed yet endearing characters and leaving you with a feel-good factor, Best Mom is indeed a tribute to all mothers and their untiring efforts.