Mothers’ Instinct (15)
Directed by Benoit Delhomme
★★★★

 
THE darker side of maternal love is explored in this deliciously disturbing and twisted psychological thriller and directorial debut by acclaimed French cinematographer Benoit Delhomme. 
 
It is a remake of the 2018 Belgian film Duelles and is based on Barbara Abel’s novel Behind the Hatred and adapted by Sarah Conradt. 
 
Set in the 1960s it centres on the lives of two housewives who are best friends and neighbours. When one of their sons dies in a tragic accident it upends their world and their friendship. Paranoia, guilt and grief sets in and the drama takes a surprising turn. 
 
Academy Award winners Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain deliver outstanding performances as Celine and Alice who turn from BFFs to enemies. It is a seamless masterclass in acting. Could they be the new Bette Davis and Joan Crawford double act on the big screen? Meanwhile Josh Charles and Anders Danielsen Lie play their loving husbands who take a backseat to the two women. 
 
Slick and exquisitely stylish, the film examines the consequences of loss and bereavement taken to extreme and frankly ridiculous ends. But Hathaway and Chastain sell it brilliantly. And Delhomme does a sterling job directing this gripping drama by winding up the tension slowly and exponentially. 
 
The end result is a very powerful and completely engrossing horror show.
 

Out in cinemas on Friday
 
 
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus (U)
Directed by Neo Sora
★★★★