Mommy Would Never Hurt You

"Mommy Would Never Hurt You" is an intriguing and mesmerizing psychological suspense that beautifully blends elements of thrills, mystery, and the horrifyingly subliminal instances of exploitation of trust. Released in 2019, the movie is directed by Daniel Lusko, known for his flair in crafting evocative narratives and memorable characters. The film breaks stereotypical norms with a noteworthy narrative that delves deep into the complexities of relationships, cunning manipulation, and explores the boundaries where love turns into an obsession.

The movie stars Kristen Vaganos in the role of Riley, a young woman who has always lived under the shadow of her overbearing and obsessively protective mother. Vaganos’ performance is noteworthy and powerful as she captures the nuances of her character perfectly - the vulnerability, desperation, and the fight to break out of the mental and physical shackles her life has been shrouded in. Riley's desperation to escape toxic familial ties forms the main crux of the plot, setting the stage for the mystery and suspense that unfolds.

Libby Munro portrays Maddy, Riley’s elder sister, who takes up the challenge of breaking her sister free from their mother's clutches. Munro's performance in the film is captivating, as she embodies her role mesmerizingly, evoking strong emotions among the audience.

Micavrie Amaia performs brilliantly as the duo’s mother, Gail, creating a chilling portrait of a woman whose love borders on extreme possessiveness and manipulative control. Her character's obsession with protecting her daughters from the outside world takes on a horrifying angle as the story progresses.

The story kicks off with Riley living in severe isolation due to debilitating allergies, as believed by her, which kept her confined to her home. Her only contact with the outside world was through her mother, who would bring everything she needed. Her life takes a dramatic turn when Maddy, who had left home years ago, returns, now as a doctor. With her medical knowledge, Maddy becomes increasingly suspicious of Riley's condition and questions if Riley's allergies are real or a manipulative fabrication by their mother.

Maddy's return escalates tension within the family, leading to an unpredictable family drama filled with suspense and shocking revelations. The intriguing plot stimulated by raw feelings of anger, desperation, and helplessness keeps the audience on their toes while underlying familial bonds add an emotional depth. As the narrative unfolds, Riley has got to decide whom to trust - her sister, who she barely knows, or her mother, who evidently loves her, but may be hurting her in unimaginable ways.

"Mommy Would Never Hurt You" is characterized by its strong character development, revealing the complexities and conflicting emotions within human relationships. The plot is tightly woven with elements of suspense, keeping the audience guessing at each turn. The plot twists and turns make the movie a riveting watch, with the narrative building up to a climax that promises to deliver a punch.

The movie is beautifully shot, with cinematographic aesthetics that highlight the evolving drama, mirroring the paradox of a serene suburban household with the tumultuous relationships within. The dialogues are crisp, the soundtracks well placed that create an atmosphere of suspense and foreboding. The performances of the lead actors add a dimension, pushing boundaries of storytelling through expressions, adding depth to their characters.

"Mommy Would Never Hurt You" is an intense emotional rollercoaster that emphasizes manipulation, deceit, power and control within relationships and the extent to which one would go to maintain that control. It raises questions about what constitutes the boundary between concern and unhealthy control. This movie is an intriguing pick for lovers of psychological suspense and intense family drama, promulgating the idea of consequences when love is overlaid with dominance and harm.