Critics Praise Dardennes’ Young Mothers for Its Intimate, Documentary-Style Power
Set in a Liège shelter, the film earns acclaim for naturalistic performances rooted in research-driven realism.
Overview
- New reviews from Time, RogerEbert.com and the A.V. Club laud the release on Jan. 9, with Time calling it among the Dardenne brothers’ best.
- The narrative follows four very young women in a shelter as they navigate pregnancy, early parenthood and difficult decisions such as adoption.
- Handheld camerawork, real locations and minimal non-diegetic music give the drama the feel of a documentary.
- Critics highlight the open, convincing performances of Babette Verbeek, Lucie Laruelle, Elsa Houben and Janaïna Halloy Fokan.
- Reviews note Cannes recognition, including the Best Screenplay award and the Ecumenical Jury prize.