Dating My Mother

Dating My Mother (2017) is a charming and heartfelt comedy-drama movie that explores the intricate bond between a mother and her gay son as they stumble their way through the tricky and often humorous world of online dating. Directed and written by Mike Roma, the film features luminous performances from Kathryn Erbe, Patrick Reilly, and Kathy Najimy.

Set in suburban New Jersey, Dating My Mother follows the story of Danny (Patrick Reilly), a young, aspiring screenwriter newly graduated from college and struggling to find his footing in the professional world. Danny is an openly gay young man who, instead of looking for his big break in Hollywood, finds himself stuck in his hometown, navigating the complexities of his close-knit relationship with his single mother, Joan.

Kathryn Erbe portrays Joan, a middle-aged woman, who, after many years of being single since her husband’s death, ambivalently decides to plunge herself into the world of online dating. Both mother and son are embarking on their parallel journeys of dating, dealing with the awkwardness of first dates, the anticipation of waiting for a call or a text, and the disappointment of not being contacted again, sharing these experiences and supporting each other.

However, the film is not only about dating. It's also about the co-dependent relationship between Joan and Danny and how their respective journeys towards independence change their lives and their relationship. Their bond is heartfelt, complex, and occasionally fraught, a testament to the nuanced performances of Erbe and Reilly. As they each face personal crossroads, their relationship is put under a microscope, forcing them to confront the inherent struggles of their mother-son dynamic and their fears of moving on.

Through Danny's best friend and Joan's flirtations, we're offered insight into their individual lives outside their mother-son bubble. Kathy Najimy delivers a lively performance as Lisa, Joan's best friend who is known for her quirky humor and brutally honest advice. She is an essential character that not only provides comic relief but also presents a pragmatic lens through which to view Joan's predicaments.

The narrative is infused with a sense of realism through its dialogue, location, and its accurate representation of the uncertainties faced by the characters. The mundane routines of Danny and Joan become a backdrop against which they explore their latent desires, ambitions, and the reality of their unique co-existence.

Interwoven throughout the film is a candid depiction of the LGBTQ+ experience, further enriched by Patrick Reilly's portrayal of Danny. Dating is presented from the poignant perspectives of a middle-aged woman and a young gay man, coupling humor with the genuine difficulties faced in trying to find a companion in a digital age, regardless of sexuality. The intricacies of connections, both romantic and platonic, are honestly and empathetically portrayed, leading to a rich, layered narrative.

Roma’s direction perfectly encapsulates the endearing awkwardness of both Joan’s and Danny’s dating excursions and the underlying emotional depth of their mother-son relationship while balancing the comedic elements with drama. Dating My Mother does an excellent job providing an intimate look into their lives, their attempts to navigate the dating scene, and, most importantly, their evolving relationship with each other.

The cinematography of Dating My Mother craftily conveys the settings and lifestyle of its characters while maintaining an earthy aesthetic that, alongside its direction and script, manages to create a believable world. The film does not shy away from dealing with heavy themes like grief, rejection, and fear of change but always maintains its unique balance of drama and humor. Furthermore, it punctuates the difficulties of the dating world with genuine conversations and a focus on character relationships.

Dating My Mother is a warm, engaging, and bittersweet comedy-drama that emphasizes the importance of family ties while highlighting the challenges of seeking love in the modern world. It's a character-driven narrative that allows viewers to connect with their trials and tribulations, offering a heartfelt storyline filled with plenty of tenderness and humor. It's an authentic exploration of familial love, personal growth, and the courage it takes to step out of one's comfort zone to find new love and independence.