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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of mother! (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Note: This film’s characters remain unnamed and are referred to solely by their descriptors.

The story opens dramatically with a woman amid crackling flames, her flesh rapidly charred, while screams echo hauntingly in the backdrop. Shortly after, we meet a man known as “Him,” portrayed by Javier Bardem, who places a mysterious crystal object in his bedroom. Immediately, a transformation occurs as their home evolves from a desolate wreck into a beautifully renovated space. In this new environment, a young woman, referred to as “Mother” and played by Jennifer Lawrence, appears in his bed. Seeking comfort in his presence, she calls out for Him with a gentle, “Baby?” Yet, her call goes unanswered.

Curiosity leads Mother to explore their seemingly deserted house. As she steps onto the porch to seek out Him, he suddenly appears from behind and embraces her, surprising her momentarily. Him, a gifted poet struggling with writer’s block due to the tragic loss of his first wife, reflects a sense of longing and introspection as they navigate their life together. Mother busies herself with her artistic endeavors, attempting to paint a room with vibrant colors. However, upon reaching the wall, she is confronted with a vision—a beating heart pulsating within the very structure of their home.

Their tranquility is soon disrupted by a knock at the door. Him invites a stranger, referred to as “Man” and played by Ed Harris, into their abode. Politeness reigns as Him engages with Man, but Mother feels an unsettling discomfort at his presence. Man mistakenly believes they operate a sort of bed-and-breakfast, and he expresses admiration for Him’s literary work. Throughout this encounter, Mother feels overshadowed, voicing her own appreciation but sensing that her husband enjoys this newfound company more than hers. Amidst polite conversation, violent coughing fits frequently break Man’s speech, prompting Him to express concern and care for him. Mother later bears witness to Man’s struggle in the bathroom, where she discovers a shocking wound, a chunk of flesh missing from his ribs, hastily covered by Him.

As the sun rises on a new day, Mother inquires about Man’s health. To her surprise, Man announces he feels wonderful before another knock disrupts the air. This time, it’s Man’s wife, referred to as “Woman” and portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer. Him, ever accommodating, welcomes her into their home. While Him and Man embark on a hike, Mother finds herself alone with Woman, who probes her with uncomfortable questions about the possibility of motherhood and shows an unsettling interest in Him’s office, which, she states, is off-limits without his permission. Upon their return, Man succumbs once more to his violent cough, leading to a revelation from Him: Man is dying, and he along with his wife have always admired Him’s work, prompting their visit.

However, a fateful accident occurs when Man and Woman inadvertently shatter the crystal object, leading to devastation for Him, who frantically orders them out of his office. Grief-stricken and bloodied from gripping the shards, He acts as a protective husband as Mother, disturbed by their presence, demands they leave. Yet, Man and Woman disregard her request, retreating instead to another room, where they become intimate.

In a shocking twist, Man and Woman’s sons, played by Domhnall Gleeson and Brian Gleeson, arrive, embroiled in a heated argument over their father’s will. This feud escalates into violence, and chaos ensues when Oldest Son bludgeons Youngest Brother, leading Him to rush him to the hospital, accompanied by Man and Woman.

With the aftermath of this violence looming, Mother is left alone to confront a stubborn bloodstain that seeps from the floor, leading her to a disturbing discovery in the basement. As tensions rise inside the house, Him breaks the news to Mother that Youngest Brother has died, sparking a wake that gathers a host of unfamiliar faces. As these strangers flood into their once-peaceful home, Mother becomes increasingly distressed by their reckless behavior, fueling an argument with Him that ultimately culminates in a passionate reunion of their own.

Soon after, Mother joyously announces to Him that she suspects she is pregnant, igniting a spark of inspiration in Him to resume his writing. His work finally gains recognition, catching the attention of a prominent publication, “The Herald,” represented by Kristen Wiig. As time passes, Mother reaches the final stages of her pregnancy, and the chaos amplifies as worshippers and fans swarm their home, breaking decorum and property amidst their fervent excitement.

The turmoil escalates as fans turn increasingly unruly, breaking possessions and tending to violent squabbles. Some guests are even bound and hooded while “The Herald” coldly executes brutal acts. It becomes tragically evident that these individuals are part of a cult, driven by fevered devotion.

As Mother’s labor begins, Him leads her into the sanctuary of his office, where she gives birth to a baby boy. Triumphant yet protective, Mother refuses to let Him hold their child, imploring Him to expel the volatile fans. Exhaustion overtakes her, and she eventually dozes off while cradling her newborn. When she awakens, her heart sinks to discover her child is missing. In a horrifying act, Him showcases their son to the frenzied crowd, who handle the baby with gruesome care. Shortly after, tragedy strikes as the crowd matures into a vicious mob. Mother experiences the torturous moment when she realizes the ward had been shattered, fueling her desperate attempt to reach Him as they have taken their child from her.

Infuriatingly overwhelmed, she retaliates against the mob with fury and violence until she finds herself captured. Amidst the brutality, Him pleads for her safety. The pain crescendos to a tragic climax where Mother, seeking retribution, makes a damning choice—she sets their home ablaze. The reality of their chaotic life culminates in a violent explosion, consuming everything, while Him remains unharmed as he carries the scorched body of Mother from the inferno.

As she asks Him who he is, he replies with cryptic words, “I am I and you are home.” When she presses further about his intentions, he desires nothing more than her love, promising that she can grant him this. In a horrifying twist, he reaches into her chest, extracting her heart, causing her body to disintegrate into ash—an echo of the desolation they endured.

Him, now clutching the heart, crushes it in his grasp, revealing yet another crystal object—a mirror of a prior fate. As he places this piece in the remnants of their now-totally destroyed home, a laugh escapes his lips, and in an eerily cyclical twist, the house begins to transform once again into something new. A young woman, a direct parallel to Mother, materializes in the bed and calls out for her husband, marking the start of a chillingly familiar cycle, leading her to call out, “Baby?”

Timeline

Track the key events of mother! (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


The Beginning

The film opens with a woman engulfed in flames, her body consumed by fire as screams fill the background. This eerie scene sets a tone of chaos and destruction that lingers throughout the narrative.

Him's Refurbished Home

A man, referred to as 'Him,' places a crystal object in his bedroom. This object magically transforms the rundown house into a beautiful, refurbished home, marking a significant change in the setting.

Him's house

Mother's Despair

Mother, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, appears in bed next to Him, who is absent. She searches for him, revealing her confusion and the emptiness she feels in their relationship as she begins to explore their home.

Him's bedroom

Unexpected Guests

The tranquility of the home is disrupted by a knock at the door. A stranger, 'Man,' enters, and despite Mother's discomfort, Him welcomes him into their lives, leading to an awkward dynamic in the house.

Him's house

Flesh and Ominous Signs

Mother's unease grows as she observes Man exhibit bizarre behaviors, including violent coughing fits and a disturbing injury on his side. These signs hint at a deeper, more sinister presence within the home.

Him's bathroom

Woman's Arrivals

Man's wife, 'Woman,' arrives soon after, further unsettling Mother. As the new arrivals disrupt the home, Mother feels increasingly left out of Him's life and uncertain about their relationships.

Him's house

Tragic Consequences of Violence

Tensions escalate when Man and Woman's sons arrive, bickering over inheritance. The argument turns deadly, culminating in Oldest Son brutally killing Younger Brother, leading to chaos and bloodshed.

Him's bedroom

Blood and the Basement

Following the violent confrontation, Mother discovers a persistent blood stain on the floor. Investigating further, she finds blood leaking into the basement, where she uncovers a dark secret related to the house's history.

Him's basement

Wake of Grief

The arrival of guests for Younger Brother's wake overwhelms Mother. As she struggles with the noise and grief, her agitation builds, leading to a climactic argument with Him that reignites their passion.

Him's house

Pregnancy Revelation

After a night of passion, Mother announces she is pregnant, which fills Him with joy and inspires him to begin writing again. This moment of hope contrasts sharply with the chaos surrounding them.

Him's house

The Influx of Fans

As Mother's pregnancy progresses, Him's fans begin arriving at the house, drawn by his newfound inspiration. What starts as a celebration quickly devolves into disorder as the crowd becomes unruly and destructive.

Him's house

Birth Amidst Chaos

Mother goes into labor during the chaos and gives birth to a baby boy. In a desperate attempt to protect her son, she pleads with Him to send the fans away, showcasing her maternal instincts amidst turmoil.

Him's office

Tragic Loss

After a day of holding her newborn, Mother awakens to find her baby gone. The horrifying reality sets in as Him brings their son to the waiting crowd, who brutally mutilate and consume him.

Him's house

Mother's Fury

In a moment of rage and despair, Mother retaliates against the crowd after witnessing the horror they inflicted upon her child. This violent confrontation escalates as Him desperately attempts to protect her.

Him's house

Cycle of Destruction

In a final act of defiance, Mother sets the house ablaze, symbolizing the end of her suffering. The cycle resets, as Him survives unscathed and prepares to begin again, ultimately introducing a new woman into his life.

Him's house

Characters

Meet the characters that bring mother! (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Him (Javier Bardem)

Him is a tortured poet struggling with writer's block and haunted by the loss of his first wife. His need for validation and love drives him to seek the attention of others, often at the expense of his relationship with Mother. His character embodies complex themes of devotion, selfishness, and the consequences of seeking adoration.

🖋️ Poet 💔 Grief 💭 Creator

Mother (Jennifer Lawrence)

Mother is a nurturing figure who becomes increasingly disturbed by the chaos surrounding her. Throughout the movie, she evolves from a hopeful, loving character to one filled with anguish and fury. Her experience reflects a journey through motherhood and the loss of innocence, culminating in a desperate fight for survival.

👩‍👧‍👦 Maternal 😟 Agitated 🔥 Resilient

Man (Ed Harris)

Man is a mysterious character who disrupts the once peaceful existence of Mother and Him. His illness and curiosity serve as catalysts for the events that unfold in the house. His polite demeanor contrasts sharply with the violence that ultimately erupts, highlighting the duality of human nature.

🔍 Intruder 🏚️ Disturbance ⚰️ Mortality

Woman (Michelle Pfeiffer)

Woman is the wife of Man, whose probing questions unsettle Mother and escalate the tension within the household. Her character represents intrusion and the complexities of marital relationships under strain. She fuels the chaos that grips the house, as her needs blend with those of her husband in a destructive manner.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Intrusive ❓ Curious 🔥 Chaotic

Oldest Son (Domhnall Gleeson)

Oldest Son grapples with resentment towards his brother, leading to violent outbursts that further unravel the domestic narrative. His character serves as a foil to Mother's nurturing tendencies, embodying the destructive instincts that arise within familial conflict.

👊 Aggressive 🏠 Conflict 🔪 Turmoil

Younger Brother (Brian Gleeson)

Younger Brother is caught in the middle of a violent sibling rivalry, representing innocence amidst chaos. His tragic fate amplifies the consequences of conflict within families, serving as a pivotal event that shakes the foundation of the household.

💔 Innocent ⚔️ Conflict 💀 Tragic

Setting

Uncover the settings of mother! (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The exact time period is not specified in the film, allowing the events to feel timeless and universal. It can be interpreted as set in the present day, mirroring contemporary societal norms and issues regarding individuality, family, and chaos.

Location

A refurbished house

The primary setting of the movie is a once-burned house that undergoes drastic transformation. Known for its eerie atmosphere, it symbolizes both warmth and coldness, reflecting the complex relationship between the characters. The house becomes a backdrop for themes of creation, destruction, and rebirth.

🏡 Home 🔥 Destruction

Themes

Explore the core themes of mother! (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🌪️

Chaos

Chaos reigns in the film as the characters deal with the breakdown of their domestic life. This theme is emphasized through the intrusion of strangers and the subsequent violent events that unfold within the house. The chaos reflects deeper human fears of loss, tragedy, and the unpredictable nature of life.

💔

Loss

The theme of loss pervades the movie, with both characters suffering from emotional and physical losses throughout. Him grapples with his past due to the death of his first wife, while Mother experiences the trauma of losing her child. This loss drives the characters' actions and ultimately leads to catastrophic consequences.

🔄

Rebirth

Rebirth is symbolized through the cyclical nature of Mother and Him's relationship, culminating in the destruction of the house and the eventual recreation of their existence. The transformation of the house signifies hope and new beginnings, despite the horrific events that unfold. It poses questions about the nature of love, creation, and renewal.

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