I Am Mother Review-An Intriguing, Strongly Acted Sci-Fi

Netflix has had quite the year in 2019. They have released many different projects that have garnered many forms of attention; from “Triple Frontier” to “Paddleton” to “Always Be My Maybe”. Now, the widely-popular service has released their next high profile in the form of “I Am Mother”.

It had its world premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and is now available for streaming on Netflix. So, how was the film? Does Netflix continue its streak in quality? Let’s find out.

“I Am Mother” follows the story of a teenage girl referred to as Daughter(played by Clara Rugaard-Larsen), who was raised and taken care of by a robot(voiced by Rose Bryne), who is designed to repopulate the Earth. But, once a stranger(played by Hilary Swank) from the outside enters, it becomes a game of trust and loyalty.

The performances are strong across the board. Each one of the performers are given well developed characters that work greatly in the world established; particularly with Clara Rugaard-Larsen, who is the standout of the entire film

The story is highly engaging and investing. Though it follows a tactic that many have seen before, it’s done in satisfying and entertaining fashion that keeps the viewer wanting to continue into the next scene.

The themes it plays with are ones I haven’t seen in recent memory. The ideas of loyalty and trust are ones are subject matters that I personally haven’t seen used in the forefront in a while and I’m pleased to see them used here.

Even with all its positives, the film does hold one small issue. That issue lies within the storytelling.

The story can get heavy-handed at some points. Once the film starts to reveal more to its audience, it makes things more complicated but admittedly interesting at the same time; particularly towards the climax. If it chose to maintain its sense of isolation and expanded upon further development of our characters within our confined space, it would have made for a more intense and interesting viewing.

“I Am Mother” is a fascinating, small sci-fi that holds terrific performances from its cast and a highly satisfying story that keeps the viewer engaged throughout even if it bites more than it can chew at certain points.

“I Am Mother” Rating: 8/10