six must-see films to laugh, cry and reflect on motherhood

Mother’s Day is a date that invites us to look with tenderness, humor or melancholy at the most powerful and complex bond that exists: the one that unites mothers and children. It doesn’t matter if it’s celebrated with a big family meal, a call from a distance or an afternoon in the armchair and blanket: there is always room for a good movie that awakens emotions.

From comedies that dare to reflect the chaos of motherhood to dramas that sensitively portray unconditional love, streaming platforms offer options for all tastes. Below, we make a selection of ideal films to honor mom in her day, with stories that cross generations, cultures and ways of loving.

“The Christmas of rebel mothers”: humor as an escape

In “A Rebel Mother’s Christmas,” Amy, Kiki and Carla are three women exhausted by the demands of modern motherhood, especially during the holidays. Added to daily responsibilities are family mandates and the pressure to organize perfect celebrations, until the protagonists decide to break the rules and live Christmas their way.

The film combines acid humor and tenderness, with a message as simple as it is necessary: ​​there is no perfect mother, and there does not need to be one. In the midst of the entanglements and festive excesses, the story invites us to reflect on the need to let go of external expectations to reconnect with the true meaning of being a mother: love, presence and authenticity. It can be seen on Netflix.

“Mom went on a trip”: a comedy that reveals everything a mother does

If there is an Argentine film that captures with irony and effect the dynamics of a modern home, it is “Mom went on a trip.” The story follows Vera Garbor, played by Carla Peterson, a mother who, overwhelmed by domestic responsibilities, decides to take a vacation away from her family. Her husband, Víctor (Diego Peretti), and their four children must learn to survive without her, facing the chaos of everyday life.

What seems like a light comedy becomes a reflection on the unequal distribution of tasks and the importance of recognizing the invisible work that sustains family life. Through hilarious situations, the film highlights how many times a mother’s presence is only valued when she is missing. A story that combines tenderness, humor and a subtle criticism of gender stereotypes. You can find it on Netflix.

“Tomy’s Notebook”: a true story of eternal love

At the opposite end of the comic spectrum, “Tomy’s Notebook” offers a deeply emotional look at motherhood. Directed by Carlos Sorin and starring Valeria Bertuccelli, it narrates the last months of the life of María Vázquez, a woman with terminal cancer who decides to leave her son a notebook full of memories, advice and messages of love.

Based on a true story, the film manages to convey without any low blows the strength of a mother who, even in the face of death, continues to teach how to live. The humor, lucidity and tenderness with which the character faces his end turn the story into a tribute to life. Accompanied by a solid cast (with Esteban Lamothe and Malena Pichot, among others), this Argentine production demonstrates that maternal love can transcend any limit. It’s to watch on Netflix.

“Volver”: the deepest and most vital portrait of mothers

“Volver” is one of those films that does not age, but rather gains strength over time. Released in 2006 and directed by Pedro Almodóvar, it combines drama, comedy and magical realism to tell the story of Raimunda (Penelope Cruz), a working-class woman who does her best to take care of her teenage daughter while dealing with the ghosts of the past.

The return of her mother, played by Carmen Maura, from “the other side” not only resolves family secrets, but also allows wounds between generations to heal. “Volver” is a celebration of motherhood in all its forms, and one of the most prestigious works of contemporary Spanish cinema. You can find it on Netflix and Prime Video.

“Lady Bird”: loving each other without fully understanding each other

Among the most sensitive films about the mother-daughter bond, “Lady Bird” occupies a special place. Written and directed by Greta Gerwig, it tells the story of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan), a teenager who dreams of leaving her hometown to study at a prestigious university. Her mother (Laurie Metcalf) tries to support the home and educate her while dealing with the rebellion of age.

What could be a typical teenage story becomes a subtle portrait of imperfect love, the kind that is expressed in the simplest gestures and the most intense discussions. Gerwig manages to capture the complexity of maternal emotions without falling into sentimentality, and delivers an honest and moving film. You can watch it on HBO or Prime Video.

“Everything Everywhere All At Once”: motherhood in the chaos of the multiverse

In a completely different key, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” mixes science fiction, comedy and drama to talk, at its core, about the same thing: a mother trying to reconnect with her daughter. Michelle Yeoh plays Evelyn, an immigrant woman who, while trying to save her laundry, becomes involved in an interdimensional adventure that forces her to confront alternative versions of her life.

Winner of the Oscar for Best Picture in 2023 and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the film uses the absurdity of the multiverse to explore very real themes: parental frustrations, unfulfilled expectations, and the difficulty of communicating between generations. In the midst of the visual delirium, a deeply human story appears about forgiveness, understanding and the possibility of loving, even when everything seems fragmented. You can see it on HBO and Prime Video.

Bonus track: “Freaky Friday” and how to literally put yourself in each other’s shoes

To close with an infallible classic, “Freaky Friday” (“A Crazy Friday” in Spanish) continues to be one of the most beloved family comedies for several generations. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis play a teenage daughter and a widowed mother who, after reading some fortune cookies, swap bodies and must live each other’s lives for a while. The film balances humor and emotion, showing how empathy and understanding arise when one manages to see the world from the eyes of another.

This year, Disney released its long-awaited sequel, “Freakier Friday,” where both protagonists reprise their roles: Anna is now a mother and repeats, with her teenage daughter, the lesson of swapping bodies. The plot renews the original message of its predecessor with a look at new families and the challenges of the maternal role. The first film is available on Disney+ and the sequel will arrive soon on the platform.

On this Mother’s Day, watching any of these stories can be a way to celebrate not only those who gave us life, but also all those who accompany, care for and love in different ways.