Young Mothers

In their latest work - also one of their most acclaimed - the revered Belgian filmmakers, explore the hopes and vulnerabilities of five young mothers at a shelter in Liège with tender clarity. Jessica craves the acceptance of her own mother, while Perla hopes that a baby will draw her delinquent boyfriend closer. Recovering addict Julie sees a brighter future for herself as a mother alongside her caring fiancé, but Ariane feels desperately unprepared for the challenges ahead. Single mother Naïma, meanwhile, is newly employed and hopes to repair relations with her disapproving family. Working from observations of a real shelter, the Dardennes skilfully interweave these narrative strands into a beautifully observed study of motherhood’s upheaval and the precious fragility of humanity.