The Cruel Mother

Film Review by Dean Duncan Jun 1, 2015

This one is sincere and concerned, so it comes off as less subtle, dramatically interesting, socially effective. And actually, what social ill are they addressing here? Mythological stepmothers, maybe. Her cruelty doesn’t make much sense, except that it was probably in the script. The abused boy is terrific, as is the physical nature of his affectionate, pained relationship with his father.