Mother Mary
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Mother Mary
Mother Mary (2026) is an A24 psychological drama-thriller film that follows the complex and intense relationship between an iconic pop star, Mother Mary (Anne Hathaway), and her estranged best friend and former costume designer, Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel). The film explores themes of fame, obsession, art, and identity, as their reunion unearths long-buried wounds on the eve of Mother Mary's comeback performance. Directed by David Lowery, the movie is described as an 'epic pop melodrama' with elements of body horror, supernatural occurrences, and deep psychological exploration. The film features original music by Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA Twigs, with Hathaway performing many of the songs. The story centers around Mary's personal crisis and her need for a transformative dress from Sam, leading to a surreal and emotionally charged confrontation.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film explicitly features central queer and sapphic themes, focusing on a psychosexual affair and an intense emotional and potentially romantic relationship between the two main female characters, Mother Mary and Sam Anselm. The casting of openly trans actress Hunter Schafer further enhances LGBTQ representation within the film.
The movie is described as a 'sapphic film' that 'puts queer desire front and center'. It explores the 'psychosexual affair between pop singer Mary and fashion designer Sam' and is referred to as a 'lesbian psychological thriller' with 'heavy lesbian tension' between Anne Hathaway's Mother Mary and Michaela Coel's Sam Anselm. The film includes Hunter Schafer, an openly trans actress, in the cast as Hilda, Sam's assistant.
Romance and Sexual Content
The film centrally features a psychosexual relationship between the two female leads, Mother Mary and Sam Anselm. While explicit sexual acts are not detailed in early reviews, the nature of their bond and the 'psychosexual affair' description suggest significant intimate and suggestive content.
Scary & Intense Content
The film is categorized as a psychological drama-thriller and psychological horror, featuring intense and disturbing imagery, including body horror, and a suspenseful, unsettling atmosphere.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
R for some violent content and language, as well as explicit queer and psychosexual themes. Due to mature themes, body horror, intense psychological elements, and strong language, it is recommended for mature audiences, specifically those aged 17 and above.
Good to Know
Due to the film's recent release (April 2026), ongoing reviews may provide further specific details regarding content. Parents should be aware that the 'psychosexual' and 'psychological thriller' genres typically entail mature themes and intense content beyond the general MPAA descriptors.
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