The Mother
ActOne Cinema & Café, London, W3 6NA
Wednesday 11th March 2026
Romance between an older woman and a younger man has emerged as a theme of a number of prominent films in the last few years - from Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in Babygirl to Gwyneth Paltrow and Timothée Chalamet in this year's Marty Supreme. In 2003 Hanif Kureishe, writer of My Beautiful Laundrette, created this groundbreaking and controversial drama about a May - 60-something widow who begins a passionate affair with Darren - a younger man who is also involved with her grown up daughter.
It's a poignant, layered and often tender tale beautifully acted by Anne Reid and Daniel Craig as the unlikely lovers. Reid is one of the finest actresses of her generation but one who is most often seen in supporting roles or cameos. This is her most high profile part and she rises to the occasion magnificently - expressing desire, fragility and a determination not to 'become invisible' as old age approaches. Daniel Craig, pre-Bond, demonstrates his range and sensitivity playing a flawed, nuanced and ambiguous character.
The Mother's director Roger Michell, perhaps best known for Notting Hill, was a gifted and versatile director of drama and comedy. His delicate staging in this film, in particular the intimate scenes between the two leads, is faultless.
It's a poignant, layered and often tender tale beautifully acted by Anne Reid and Daniel Craig as the unlikely lovers. Reid is one of the finest actresses of her generation but one who is most often seen in supporting roles or cameos. This is her most high profile part and she rises to the occasion magnificently - expressing desire, fragility and a determination not to 'become invisible' as old age approaches. Daniel Craig, pre-Bond, demonstrates his range and sensitivity playing a flawed, nuanced and ambiguous character.
The Mother's director Roger Michell, perhaps best known for Notting Hill, was a gifted and versatile director of drama and comedy. His delicate staging in this film, in particular the intimate scenes between the two leads, is faultless.
