Mothers' instinct

"Mothers' Instinct," released in 2018, is a gripping and intriguing Belgian psychological thriller, finely directed by Olivier Masset-Depasse. The movie, which is set in the early 1960s, stars a celebrated trio of actors, Veerle Baetens, Anne Coesens, and Mehdi Nebbou. Veerle Baetens, widely acclaimed for her intense performances, and Anne Coesens, another talented Belgian actress, play the lead roles. The film beautifully captures the complexities of motherhood, friendship, and obsession, with a narrative imbued with unyielding suspense.

Dominating the core of the plot is the deep-rooted friendship between the two lead characters, Alice (played by Veerle Baetens) and Céline (portrayed by Anne Coesens). Living in a middle-class suburban neighborhood characterized by symmetrical houses and aesthetically pleasing gardens, the duo have forged a unique bond, being the best of friends, despite coming from very different backgrounds and having contrasting personalities. Their kids are also best friends, making their lives intricately connected.

Their symbiotic relationship takes a dramatic turn after a tragic accident that shatters their harmonious lives and interconnected routines. What ensues is the creeping in of suspicion, tension, and a sense of fear, chillingly depicted throughout the movie. The grandeur of their friendship starts to crumble, revealing a more dark and complex emotional narrative filled with manipulations and hidden secrets.

Veerle Baetens's portrayal of Alice is highly commendable. Her performance authentically portrays Alice's fierce spirit and motherly instincts, thus adding to the film's overall intense atmosphere. Meanwhile, Anne Coesens brilliantly plays the role of Céline, aptly encapsulating the emotional turmoil evoked by the plot's tragic turn.

The male lead, played by Mehdi Nebbou, further enriches the gripping narrative. He appears as a supportive husband struggling to navigate through his wife’s escalating paranoia and distress, providing an added layer of depth to the film's labyrinth of emotions.

The visual aesthetics and cinematographic excellence of "Mothers' Instinct" deserve special mention. The movie beautifully reflects the era it is set in, perfectly capturing the 1960s’ ambiance, ranging from the costumes to the sublime set designs of symmetric suburban settings. The attention to detail garnishes a sense of authenticity, contributing to a gripping cinematic experience.

Moreover, the film expertly captures the emotional spectrum of love, friendship, jealousy, and fear, embellished by claustrophobic camera angles and an arresting music score. The use of light and shadows in every indoor and outdoor scene beautifully supplements the movie's ominous mood, making it an entrancing, visual spectacle.

The emotional pacing of the film is astoundingly handled, letting the story unfold convincingly without rushing into the realm of over-dramatization. The excellence of the actors and director in capturing and conveying the intricate and intense emotional segments is noteworthy. The display of raw, powerful emotions and character transformations under the pressure of an adverse situation is highly effective in stirring intrigue and curiosity throughout the movie.

"Mothers' Instinct" is a thriller that captures an intricate melodrama intertwined with human emotions and relationships. It magnificently explores the theme of friendship followed by dark envy, suspicion, and disturbing obsessions, creating a captivating paradox of emotions. Olivier Masset-Depasse’s direction paves the way for an exceptional buildup and delivery of suspense, keeping it consistent until the very end of the movie.

With its enticing narrative, exceptional performances, and stunning cinematography, this movie is highly recommended for those who enjoy psychological thrillers. The film is masterful in using emotionally layered storytelling to delve deep into the multifaceted aspects of the characters, making "Mothers' Instinct" a captivating cinematic journey that is suspenseful, emotionally unsettling, and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.