Watch Mother's Instinct

Mother's Instinct is a French-Belgian thriller film directed by Olivier Masset-Depasse, released in 2019. The story is set in the late 1960s and revolves around two housewives, Alice and Céline, who have been inseparable friends since childhood. They live in the same suburban neighborhood and have children of the same age. Alice is married to Michel, an engineer, while Céline is married to Patrick, a sales representative.

The film opens with a scene of the two women sitting together, enjoying each other's company, and sipping on wine. Alice is introduced as the more reserved and cautious of the two, while Céline is portrayed as boisterous, impulsive, and slightly neurotic. They both seem content with their lives, but as the story progresses, we see that there are underlying tensions and hidden resentments simmering beneath the surface.

One day, tragedy strikes when a young boy is found dead in the woods near their neighborhood. The incident shakes the community, and suspicion falls on Michel, who is seen as a loner and potential suspect. Alice is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her duty to protect her family. However, Céline's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and obsessive, and she begins to suspect that Michel is indeed guilty of the crime.

As the investigation into the boy's death intensifies, so does the tension between the two women. Alice tries to uncover the truth behind the killing, but Céline's increasing paranoia and hostility towards her make it difficult for Alice to get any information. As a result, Alice becomes increasingly isolated and overwhelmed, as she tries to protect her family and figure out what really happened.

Masset-Depasse's direction is precise and restrained, which adds to the film's sense of creeping tension and claustrophobia. The muted color palette and the deliberate slow pacing contribute to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere that pervades the story.

The performances of the two lead actresses, Veerle Baetens and Anne Coesens, are outstanding. Baetens brings a restrained intensity to her portrayal of Alice, conveying her character's inner turmoil with subtlety and precision. Coesens, on the other hand, delivers a riveting performance as Céline, playing a complex and multifaceted character with skill and nuance.

The film deals with a variety of themes, including motherhood, friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. It also raises questions about the nature of perception and the reliability of memory. The story's ambiguity and gradual reveal of its secrets make for a gripping and suspenseful viewing experience. The film is a powerful exploration of the darker side of human nature and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their loved ones.

Overall, Mother's Instinct is a tense and gripping thriller that delivers on all fronts. It's a masterfully crafted film that keeps the audience guessing until the very end, and features outstanding performances by its lead actresses. It's a must-see for fans of suspenseful dramas and psychological thrillers.