“My mother never gave me any idea that I couldn’t do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be,” the character of Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls mused during her valedictorian speech. 

It is said that the greatest love on earth is one of a mother’s and this Mother’s Day, all we want to say is, “Thank you, mom. You are my guidepost for everything.” 

Though we might not be poised with the gift of eloquence and an adept expression of affection as Rory is, we’re fortunate enough to be lent the heartfelt lines and stories from the cinematic universe. 

It’s been a trying season and the emotional support that mothers have given got many of us through so much more than we’ve given credit for. Hence, if you’re still struggling to plan for your Mothers’ Day celebrations, Bandwagon has got you covered with a series of excellent films for a cosy night in with your moms. 

Mamma Mia! The Movie

Mamma Mia! The Movie is undoubtedly the quintessential movie to watch for musical lovers. Jam-packed with the iconic hits of ABBA, the 2008 film, starring Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, and Pierce Brosnan, tells a heartwarming story of passion, coupled with a light dose of humour where it fits. 

Seyfried and Streep, who play each others’ on-screen daughter and mother respectively, even perform an emotional rendition of ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’, the touching 1981 song on the inevitable emotional distance between parent and child, created by age. Perfect for mothers who are die-hard fans of ABBA or even just the era of disco-pop, Mamma Mia! takes the cake for a feel-good, musically-inclined film recommendation. 

Freaky Friday 

When a body swap between rocker daughter Anna and type-A therapist mom Tess occurs, the chaotic yet meaningful event allows them to finally see eye to eye. The plot of Freaky Friday is likely no mystery to anyone above the age of 7 with the 2003 version gracing Disney Channel at least once a month. 

If you’re still unconvinced on how much of a good time the classic movie is, perhaps the stunning soundtrack by the likes of American Hi-Fi, The Donnas, Simple Plan, Bowling For Soup, and Christina Vidal who sings the original hit ‘Take Me Away’, will persuade you. For mothers into quirky, family-friendly comedy, the film will keep you entertained and have you laughing at its offbeat jokes.

Goodnight Mommy 

The 2014 Austrian psychological horror film was widely acclaimed upon its release, winning the Best Feature Film at the Austrian Film Awards. Goodnight Mommy tells the story of twin brothers who grow suspicious of their mother after a series of strange events occur following her reconstructive surgery. 

Filled with twists and turns, this movie is the most thrilling and horrifying from this list of recommendations, toying with audiences’ perceptions with expertise and ease. Directed by Veronica Franz and Severin Fiala, we’d suggest putting on this movie for any mommy who isn’t faint of heart. 

Fargo 

Written, produced, and directed by the famous Coen Brothers, Fargo starts off with disarmingly comedic slapstick humour but takes a dark turn as it arrives at its climax. Involving a dubious scheme to extort money from his father-in-law, a 7-months pregnant police chief, and all sorts of backfiring, the 1996 film is a feast for the eyes, no matter the occasion. 

As a model caricature of “girl power”, Frances McDormand plays Marge Gunderson who is fearless in her quest to solve the mystery despite other characters’ tendency to treat her with delicacy due to her carrying child. For the mom who’s obsessed with neo-noir and crime, Fargo is definitely the way to go. 

The Incredibles 

Name a more badass fictional mother than Mrs Incredible, we’ll wait. From juggling duties in the domestic sphere to kicking villain butt, Elastigirl could well be the only reason to watch The Incredibles this weekend and safely be sufficient motivation. More than just an adventure-filled, animated movie, the 2005 Best Animated Film recipient is an intimate portrait of a family that overcomes their struggles together. 

The Incredibles film franchise has had commercial success and a cult following since its release in 2004, sparking a revival sequel just shy of 15 years later. So many of our mothers are the true superheroines of our lives so curl up comfortably to The Incredibles, the film that gives them the most picture-perfect representation. 

Everything Everywhere All at Once

This recommendation for Everything Everywhere All At Once might, unfortunately, be targeted at a more mature audience (due to its rating of M18 or R in some countries). The recently released 2022 film is undeniably on its way to becoming the most grandiose and ambitious movie of the year. 

Framed in a stunning multiverse premise and featuring the legendary Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, the A24 film is more than meets the eye as it converges into dark humour, nihilistic discussion, and the painfully bittersweet journey of a mother and daughter finding their way through generational trauma, despite time and space. Frankly, one doesn’t have to be a fantasy or science fiction lover to appreciate the impressive dissection of complex Asian families in this one. 

Love Story (1970)

Rounding up with a blast from the past, Love Story (1970) was the ultimate romantic tearjerker film of the ‘70s. Having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, the romance movie rightfully took home the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Drama in 1971. 

Narrating the love story (see what we did there) between an upper class, Harvard student and an average music student, the couple faces tumultuous challenges in their relationship including parental objections and a terminal illness. Though mothers are not much of a theme in this recommendation, Love Story calls back to the era of our mothers and after all, isn’t Mothers’ Day their day to enjoy with a good movie that rings in equal amounts of nostalgia and sentiment? 

To all mothers, happy Mothers’ Day from here at Bandwagon!