I went into this film expecting a fast-paced action thriller, but what I experienced revealed far more layers and cut much deeper than the surface level.
Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother stars Mahershala Ali who plays Latif, whom I would describe as a once devout Muslim man operating as a vigilante for hire - seeking to right the world of immoral injustices when necessary.
Ali’s character is dealing with the sudden and untimely blow of losing his wife and has now returned home to pick up the pieces and be with his three children. Although he presents himself as a well put together, strong, and reserve individual externally, his internal world begins to crumble as he must learn how to navigate this new chapter of fatherhood while raising a baby in the midst of a looming threat.
There’s some rebellion in one child, resentment in another, and an infant who is quickly running out of their mother’s preserved breast milk.
All while Latif is actively being called back to a new and unwanted religious injustice that he wishes not to face. Until…
DANGER is brought to his doorstep.
Mahershala Ali shines as Latif in this film. His character thrives in the pocket of his calm demeanor as well as the power within his restraint. However, once he unravels, there’s no stopping his rage and thirst for revenge.
Latif’s two older children, played by Adia , and Jahleel Kamara (both give a phenomenal performance) bring an amazing contrast to the family dynamic as they are now faced with life with their father who was seemingly not as present prior to their mother’s passing. Their characters showcase the grief and loneliness present while remaining oblivious to the chaos building around them.
Giancarlo Esposito stars as Abdul Malik, a centering force in Latif’s life. Malik is the Father-in-law and disapproving to Latif’s actions.
Mike Mahmoudi (Laith Nakli) plays Latif’s criminal enforcer and Hatty (Abubakr Ali) is dubbed the king of “Habibi porn.” Mike calls upon Latif to help protect Hatty from a religious cult leader (John Cho) and the two ultimately set everything off in Latif’s world.
John Cho, who plays Pastor Hwan Yoon, was cast perfectly as the villian in my opinion. Every encounter between Hwon and Latif was filled with tension, drama, and action and the two play very well off of each other.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Tiffany Boone who plays Fugazi, a former sex worker that has been liberated, comes into the picture as aid to Latif while he is in search of breast milk for his daughter. Tramell Tillman who plays Talib, Latif’s brother, also gives some great back and forth opposite of Mahershala Ali.
Although this film was not as action-packed as I would have liked and anticipated, it still gave me plenty of moments that I had been waiting to see Mahershala Ali deliver for a long time. I REALLY wanted a bigger payoff in the end but, understood the overall messaging and was happy with how the film concluded.
Bassam Tariq crafted a beautiful story that incorporates religion, faith, action, some humorous moments, and through all of the turmoil, grief , and pain, the importance of sticking together as family. The film was beautifully shot as well.
Ultimately, this film is not about replacing the mother, but attempting to step up and fulfill a mother’s shoes, Fatherhood, fighting for your family, and finding your way back despite what the path may look like. I LOVED that messaging.
Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother opens in select theaters September 25 and nationwide in October.