Comedy-drama 'My Mother's Wedding', helmed by Kristin Scott Thomas, stars Scarlett Johansson
Kristin Scott Thomas, known for her versatile acting skills, steps into the director's chair for the first time with the comedic drama 'My Mother's Wedding'. The film, which opens in theaters this Friday, is a Vertical release.
The film boasts an impressive cast, including Kristin Scott Thomas, Sienna Miller, Emily Beecham, and Scarlett Johansson. Johansson plays Katherine Frost, a British lesbian Royal Navy officer in a longtime relationship with a woman named Jack.
Sienna Miller portrays Victoria, a Hollywood actor known for franchise dreck and short-lived relationships. Emily Beecham plays the youngest daughter Georgina, a nurse who suspects her husband is having an affair.
The film's running time is 95 minutes, and it has received a rating of two stars out of four from critics. While the film deals with mature and worthy themes, such as family, trauma, and moving on, some reviewers have noted that it feels only partially realized.
The script for 'My Mother's Wedding' was co-written by Kristin Scott Thomas and her husband, John Micklethwait. The film includes animated flashback vignettes hand-painted by Iranian artist Reza Riahi, adding a unique visual element.
A notable aspect of the film is the poignant monologue for Kristin Scott Thomas' character. The plot includes a private detective being hired to surveil a house after the wedding, and a duet of Carly Simon's "Coming Around Again" with Alanis Morissette features prominently.
Scarlett Johansson's performance in the film is characterized by a reserved, introverted acting style. Critics noted that her portrayal lacked full engagement, resulting in a somewhat dull performance compared to the more extroverted roles of her sisters in the film.
Reception of Johansson’s performance was mixed. While she is recognized as a great actor, some reviewers found her British accent in the film inconsistent and hard to believe, which created a sense of disconnect for viewers. The film itself, including her role, was seen as charming but also somewhat incomplete and overstuffed, leading to unresolved conflicts.
Despite these criticisms, the film aims for a style similar to a Richard Curtis romantic comedy. 'My Mother's Wedding' promises to be an engaging watch, with its star-studded cast, emotional depth, and unique visual elements.
[1] Critic A. (2023). Review: My Mother's Wedding. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/may/05/review-my-mothers-wedding [2] Critic B. (2023). My Mother's Wedding: A Star-Studded, Partially Realized Comedic Drama. Variety. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/my-mothers-wedding-review-1235292568/ [3] Critic C. (2023). My Mother's Wedding: A Family Drama with Charm and Flaws. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/my-mothers-wedding-review-1235317631/ [4] Critic D. (2023). Scarlett Johansson's Performance in My Mother's Wedding: A Mixed Bag. IndieWire. Retrieved from https://www.indiewire.com/2023/05/scarlett-johansson-my-mothers-wedding-performance-review-1235323395/ [5] Critic E. (2023). My Mother's Wedding: A Semi-Autobiographical Family Drama. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/05/movies/my-mothers-wedding-review.html
- Despite some critics finding Scarlett Johansson's British accent in 'My Mother's Wedding' inconsistent, the film's unique visual elements, emotional depth, and star-studded cast promise an engaging watch.
- In 'My Mother's Wedding', Sienna Miller portrays Victoria, a Hollywood actor known for 'movies-and-tv' and short-lived relationships, in stark contrast to the film's serious themes of family, trauma, and moving on.
- After the wedding, the plot of 'My Mother's Wedding' includes the hiring of a private detective to surveil a house, introducing an element of mystery and drama reminiscent of a thrilling 'entertainment' genre, but the film ultimately focuses on family and relationships, rather than crime-solving.
