Films for Mom, The Mom Friend, and The Mom Mentor
As I grew older, the meaning of Mother’s Day changed. Previously, I reserved it as a special day for those who fit the literal definition of a mother: a woman in relation to her child or children. But once I met more people and expanded my circles, I realized that all of our maternal figures should be celebrated. Well, of course our main Moms should be the highlight. But let's not forget our favorite Titas and Ninangs who’ve filled in her shoes while she was away.
Though this Mother’s Day, we should also celebrate the older sister who stepped up when needed. The designated Mom Friend who snapped some sense into us. Our life-and-work mentors who guided us as we learned the ropes. These Moms™ deserve some cred, too.
Now that we’re in a pandemic, watch parties and film recommendations have become some sort of love language. Sharing a title and discussing it later on lets us connect and keep in touch even with the physical limitations. If you’re looking for the next title to watch or to recommend to your Mom Figures, check out these Mother’s Day films.
Mamma Mia (2008) and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
Discover new things about your relationship with your mom by marathoning both Mamma Mia movies back-to-back. These films teach us that we tend to look too far for things that are already next to us. Family is not defined by its structure but the home you build with your loved ones—a parent, your best friends and sometimes your great love. Just look at how Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is loved by Donna (Meryl Streep), Tanya (Christine Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters)!
Plus, Mamma Mia and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again check all the boxes. Life lessons are laced with wonderful views and joyous soundtracks which makes these films Mother’s Day cult classics.
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Otherhood
This flick is for you, who's about to leave the nest, and your mom and The Tita-Ninang Squad who are preparing to be empty nesters. It’s easy to get lost in the allure of independence or lose touch with family when we’re preoccupied with our own lives. Our Moms went above and beyond to help us get to where we are, so let’s not forget them when we’ve run too far. Otherhood explores a wild adventure with Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette and Felicity Huffman around Manhattan. These women get into all types of trouble as they try to revive their bonds with their children.
Someone Great
This film is perfect for the designated mom friend in the barkada, the one who’s looked after you multiple times. Jenny (Gina Rodriguez) goes through the chaotic aftermath of a breakup with the help of her best friends Blair (Brittany Snow) and Erin (DeWanda Wise). Someone Great puts a huge emphasis on the benefits of having a wonderful support system to help you get through the woes of adulthood. We all have issues, but I have to admit it’s a lot better when you’ve great friends by your side.
The Devil Wears Prada
Before you protest that this isn’t a motherly movie, hear me out. The Devil Wears Prada is a great homage to all our mentors in the workplace. If there’s anything I’ve picked up, it’s that sometimes the biggest lessons are taught during our toughest moments. We won’t be anywhere without getting roughed up to understand the process. While I do pray that none of our mentors are quite as intense as Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), it’s no doubt that they’ve definitely taught us some important lessons. Albeit less toxic, these relationships might resemble how Miranda pushed Andy (Anne Hathaway) out of her comfort zone.
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Got any more Mother's Day films to recommend for our moms and Mom Figures? Drop the titles in the comments below!
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
