'I Am Mother' - A Movie Review

It’s not every day you get to act alongside a robot. It’s only a matter of time before they take over the world.

I Am Mother is a Netflix sci-fi film about a cyborg raising a human daughter. Telling her daughter that there is no life beyond their console, a wounded stranger arrives. Finding herself at war, will she listen to this stranger about life in the outside world, or to her cyborg mother, the one who raised her?

I found I Am Mother to be an interesting and yet strangely tender film, to say the least. It’s something very different than you’d expect. You must pay close attention to the plot as there are many subtle details you’ll miss.

Clara Rugaard is spectacular in her dramatic performance as the unnamed daughter! Rugaard’s innocent demeanor carried the film through genuine emotions as she tried to understand this new meaning of life. I also love the heart Rugaard puts into her scenes whenever she is interacting with Mother.

Rugaard has only starred in a couple of movies and TV shows such as Teen Spirit, and playing the role as Juliet Capulet in the series, Still Star-Crossed. Based on her strong abilities in I Am Mother, I know she has many roles to come in the future.

As the robot who calls herself Mother, Luke Hawker performed as the movements of Mother, while Rose Byrne voiced the cyborg. Although Mother does not have an expressive face, bright lights signify her eyes and mouth moving in subtle movements.

As the movie progresses, Mother’s appearance gradually changes from a warm motherly figure to a menacing presence. Then again, she has other intentions constantly testing her daughter for an important reason of her own.

It has been a while since I have seen the talented Hillary Swank onscreen. Swank delivers a powerful performance as the wounded stranger. Her fearful, and yet brave countenance is remarkable as she persuades the daughter to run away from this life. Only, how true are her words?

The setting for I Am Mother takes place in a futuristic lab. It’s not until the third act of the movie until we set out to explore the dilapidated outside world. Futuristic movies are fun to experience. I also felt a Star Wars vibe at times. I especially liked the poignant and suspenseful soundtrack.

Although it is unnerving I liked some aspects of the mother-cyborg and human-daughter relationship, their bond was touching. I Am Mother illustrates a beautiful message that a mother does not have to be a biological figure. Whether adopted, a relative, a close friend, or even a robot, anyone is a mother figure.

I like the angle director Grant Sputore took for the film. I commend the writers who unearthed a splendid and unique story to all audiences. The story moves at its own pace, never feeling drawn out. The ending may leave viewers asking questions, but it’s not until you go back on second viewings to learn what you missed.

I Am Mother is a bold picture performed by talented actors, and a story that gradually becomes a coming of age story as a young girl stands up for herself to take charge. Some elements of the story are complicated, and are strewn together with elaborate writing and ideas

If you have not seen I Am Mother yet, I suggest that you do. Avoid any bad reviews about the film. It’s a very entertaining sci-fi story. Give it a chance, especially after it ends. As befuddled as I was, I studied certain elements and talked about the film. I am still intrigued by the film and its characters.