Magnificent movie mums

Elizabeth James, The Parent Trap (1998)

If you didn’t want Elizabeth James (Natasha Richardson) as a mother, you definitely wanted her wardrobe. Often drawing comparisons to Princess Diana due to her style and warm nature, it’s clear to see why she’s widely loved among fans. While she works as a wedding dress designer and oozes class, she’s equally caring and protective over her children. 

Agnes Brown, Mrs Brown’s Boys D’movie (2014)  

The greatest mammy in all of Ireland? Although this movie sees Agnes (Brendan O’Carroll) accidentally reveal to a Russian mobster that she once put her children in care when her husband died, and continued to claim child support, it’s undeniable that Agnes really has a heart of gold. Despite her sometimes-brash exterior, she has always gone to great lengths to help her sons and tackles life with a sense of humour.  

Marion McPherson, Ladybird (2017)

If there’s anyone who understands the pain of having rebellious children, it’s Ladybird’s Marion McPherson (Laurie Metcalf). A hardworking nurse, Marion strives to provide for her family. Whilst she has Ladybird’s best interests at heart, the two want different lifestyles and often clash. Grappling with her own aspirations and regrets, this film takes its protagonists on two convergent journeys to acceptance and growth.

Joyce Brewster, The Guilt Trip (2012) 

Overbearing and meddlesome are just two ways to describe Joyce Brewster (Barbara Streisand), but we love her for it and so does her son Andy (Seth Rogen) – eventually. On a road trip to Las Vegas the two confront issues in their relationships and share some comedic misfortunes.

Tala, Moana (2016)

Grandmother’s make the world go around. Courageous and wise, Gramma Tala (Rachel House) is the keeper of tradition and history in Motunui. Her appreciation of tradition doesn’t mean she isn’t up for a little rule breaking, however. Sensitive to Moana’s bond with the ocean, she encourages her granddaughter to follow her heart, and bestows her with resilience when the journey gets tough. 

Leigh-Anne Tuohy, The Blind Side (2009)  

Shoutout to the step-mums! Far from the typically evil-rep they get, Leigh-Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) is as compassionate as they come. The Blind Side is based on the real-life story of NFL player Michael Oher, who was homeless at the time Leigh-Anne first met him. Deciding to take him, in she provides him with guidance, stability, and the resources he needs to succeed academically and athletically. 

Mother’s Day (2016)

Mothers of all different walks of life come together in this film. There’s Sandy (Jennifer Aniston), a stressed-out single mum to two boys; Jesse (Kate Hudson) and Gabi (Sarah Chalke) two sisters that are hiding their partners from their less-than-accepting parents; Kristin (Britt Robertson) who’s on the search for her birth mother; and Bradley (Jason Sudeikis) a recent widower to two daughters. 

Marlo Moreau, Tully (2016)

Raising a child really takes a village. Marlo Moreau (Charlize Theron) is a mother of two, with an unplanned third baby on the way. Whilst she patiently looks after her youngest, who has an undiagnosed development disorder, Marlo struggles with sleep deprivation and exhaustion. Stressed and on the search for her old self, Marlo reluctantly learns to ask for help. 

Juanita (2019)

Juanita’s (Alfre Woodard) charm comes from her confident yet vulnerable nature. The kids are all grown up and she’s single and works a dead-end job. But you can always try to change your situation. On the search for a new lease of life, she leaves Ohio behind and with it her dead-end job, and overly dependent adult children. 

Aunt May, Spiderman Trilogy 

‘With great power there must also come great responsibility.'

A champion for doing the right thing till the very end, Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) is Spiderman/Peter Parker’s (Tom Holland) good-natured aunt. Navigating the marvel multiverse and its endless threats could get pretty conflicting for a teen, but Aunt May is always there to offer wisdom and guidance.
 

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