Mommy Reflection

Mommy is a film that I found painful and beautiful at the same time. I cried through most of the movie for reasons both sad and happy. The moments that I found most powerful where those that showed Die, Steve, and Kyla in the same frame. They were turning points as well as some of the highest and lowest points in the film. They were all together dancing in the kitchen and they were all together after Steve cut himself in the store. I found both scenes very poignant. When Die and Kyla talk about Steve, he comes out in both and surprises them in very different ways. The fact that the song he puts on is Celine Dion’s “On ne change pas,” which translates to “We do not change,” is very sad and foreshadowing, but they are all having the best time singing it together. Steve cannot change, Die cannot change him, and neither can Kyla, no matter how hard they try to.

To me, Steve was a paradox of immature and mature, as well as volatile and charming. Giving his mother a necklace (that is probably stolen) and giving Kyla the bracelet that he made are examples. Deep down he had the best intentions for those he loved, but his mental health got in the way of these. I think the moments that dealt with Steve’s late father were literally and figuratively reflective. Steve looks down at the picture frame of him and we Steve’s reflection in the glass. Immediately afterwards he puts on his dad’s jacket and looks at himself in the mirror.