The Mother (2003)

A quietly devastating British drama about late-life desire, family loyalty, and the courage it takes to feel truly alive again.

The Mother - Movie Information

  • Original Title: The Mother
  • Release Year: 2003
  • Directed by: Roger Michell
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama, Romance
  • Age Rating (US): R
  • Runtime: 1h 52m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): November 14, 2003 (United Kingdom - 15), June 18, 2004 (United States - R), June 24, 2005 (South Korea - 18)
  • Alternative Titles: 마더 (KR), Die Mutter (DE)
  • Production Companies: BBC Film, Free Range Films, Renaissance Films
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom

The Mother - Plot

A grandmother has a passionate affair with a man half her age, who is also sleeping with her daughter.

The Mother - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the story of May unfold:

It can take a lifetime to feel alive.

Where to Watch The Mother

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The Mother - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Roger Michell

Main Cast

  • Anne Reid
  • Daniel Craig
  • Peter Vaughan
  • Steven Mackintosh
  • Cathryn Bradshaw
  • Anna Wilson-Jones
  • Danira Gović
  • Izabella Telezynska
  • Oliver Ford Davies
  • Jonah Coombes

Writers

  • Hanif Kureishi

Producers

  • Kevin Loader

The Mother - FAQs

Where can you watch The Mother (2003)?

The Mother (2003) is available to stream or rent on various platforms depending on your region. You can check current streaming availability, rental, and purchase options on JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date listings across services in your country.

Who plays the lead role in The Mother?

Anne Reid delivers the lead performance as May, a recently widowed grandmother who embarks on a passionate affair. Daniel Craig co-stars as Darren, the younger man at the center of the relationship. The film also features Peter Vaughan, Steven Mackintosh, and Cathryn Bradshaw.

What is The Mother (2003) about?

The Mother follows May, a grandmother who, after her husband's death, begins a bold and emotionally charged affair with Darren, a man half her age who is simultaneously involved with her own daughter. The film explores late-life desire, identity, and the complexities of family loyalty.

Is The Mother based on a true story?

The Mother is not based on a true story. It is an original screenplay written by acclaimed British author Hanif Kureishi, who drew on themes of aging, sexuality, and family dynamics to craft this provocative and emotionally resonant drama.

Did Anne Reid win awards for The Mother?

Yes. Anne Reid received widespread critical acclaim for her performance as May and won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the film. She also received nominations from the British Independent Film Awards and the Evening Standard British Film Awards.

What is the age rating for The Mother (2003)?

The Mother is rated R in the United States, reflecting its frank and explicit treatment of sexuality, mature themes, and adult relationships. It was rated 15 in the United Kingdom upon its original theatrical release in November 2003.

How long is The Mother (2003)?

The Mother has a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes (112 minutes). Directed by Roger Michell and written by Hanif Kureishi, the film was produced in the United Kingdom and released theatrically there in November 2003, reaching US audiences in June 2004.

What films are similar to The Mother (2003)?

If you enjoyed The Mother, you may also appreciate The Piano Teacher (2001), Au Revoir les Enfants (1987), A Real Young Girl (1976), and The Next Best Thing (2000). These films similarly explore complex relationships, desire, and emotional intensity in intimate, character-driven narratives.

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