Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
I am Mother is a 2019 Netflix original science-fiction mystery, directed by Grant Sputore and starring Clara Rugaard, Hilary Swank, and the voice of Rose Byrne. Its plot follows in the wake of humanity’s extinction, a teenage girl is raised by a robot designed to repopulate the earth. But their unique bond is threatened when an inexplicable stranger arrives with alarming news.
Under The Lens: Clara Rugaard and Ethical Principles
Clara Rugaard: Clara Rugaard is a relative newcomer to Hollywood, at 22 years of age she has but half a dozen acting credits to her name since she started in 2013. I had never heard of her before this picture but was very impressed with her performance, she brings a ferocious intensity as well as a fearful vulnerability.
Her relationship with “Mother” is heartfelt and very real feeling, we get a feel of her life and the good times she has spent growing up, we see her grow up and go from a rebellious teen to an accomplished woman who is ready to raise her own children.
Ethical Principles: The picture’s undercurrent is its ethics, and how humanity had failed in being an ethical race. Clara Rugaard’s character is thought ethics by Mother and she is raised to have a moral code as thought by Kant and others. She is faced with many ethical dilemmas over the course of the runtime and is taught the value of life, how we relate to each other, and trust. We see the ethical differences between Clara and Hillary Swank, its interesting to see the differences between the old world and the new one.
Highlights
The view of the outside world was beautiful and showcased a living but dead world
The final scene of of Mother and Hillary Swank is chilling as well as enlightening
The picture knows when to keep the viewer indoors and when to take the action outdoors
Quotable Quote
Mother: Contrary to your understandable assumptions, my primary directive is to care for humanity.
Something to think about
If someone asked you for help and you know helping them could have a cost, would you still do it?
Conclusion
Overall I AM Mother is a very strong science fiction picture, it takes a very worn concept about killer robots and humans and turns it completely on its head. One thinks they know what is happening until the ending showcases that everything the viewer thought was in fact incorrect. Anchored by fantastic performances by Clara Rugaard, Hillary Swank and Rose Byrne, it draws in and lures the viewer into feeling they know what is going on then pulls the rug out from under them. It’s a very satisfying watch and one that will keep the viewer thinking about it for days to come.
