PEAKLIFE

By Abhya Adlakha

For those who cherish those cozy moments snuggled up with their moms, celebrate Mother’s Day with a cinematic escape.

So, if you’re envisioning a scene complete with a glass of wine, a bucket of popcorn, and perhaps even a freshly painted pedicure drying in tandem, fear not — we’ve got just the lineup to make your Mother’s Day celebration truly unforgettable.

New Releases

Mother of the Bride (2024)

Stunned by her daughter’s bombshell wedding announcement, Lana soon faces another shock: the groom’s father is the man who broke her heart years ago. This is a heart-warming romantic comedy that celebrates the bond between mothers and daughters, offering moments of laughter and tears.

Heeramandi (2024)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly-anticipated Netflix series launched recently. Set against the Indian Independence movement against the British Raj in the 1940s, it explores the lives of courtesans living in the red-light district of Lahore, Pakistan. While not traditionally a watch, it offers a unique perspective on motherhood as it shows the resilience of women as they navigate social norms to protect their families. Plus, there are dazzling diamonds, ornate building, and intricately designed ensembles, that are a visual treat.

The Idea of You (2024)

Who doesn’t love a classic romantic comedy starring Anne Hathaway? The era of rom-coms is back, people.

The movie follows Solène (Anna Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom, who begins an unexpected romance with the 24-year-old Hayes Campbell, the lead single of August Moon, the hottest boy band. This movie serves as an important reminder for mothers to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams, no matter their age.

Unforgettable Classics

Mamma Mia! (2008)

A feel-good musical that follows the story of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a young woman who is about to get married on a beautiful Greek island and wants her father to walk her down the aisle. But there’s a catch—she has never known who her father is. After discovering her mother’s old diary, she invites three men from her mother’s past to the wedding, suspecting one of them to be her father, without her mother’s knowledge. This movie is a tear-jerker and a perfect movie to watch with your mom on Mother’s Day.

Freaky Friday (2003)

Single mother Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her teenage daughter Anna (Lindsay Lohan) couldn’t be more different. They are constantly at odds with each other due to their differing perspectives on life and are driving each other insane. However, everything changes when they mysteriously switch bodies after an encounter with a magical fortune cookie. Unable to switch back, they begin to understand each other’s point of view slowly. This is a perfect entertaining Mother’s Day movie!

Lady Bird (2017)

This coming-of-age drama, directed by Greta Gerwig, beautifully portrays the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, highlighting love and acceptance.

The movie follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson during her senior year of high school in California as she navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and discovering oneself. The primary focus of the movie is Lady Bird’s turbulent relationship with her strong-willed mother, Marion. Through their ups and downs, Lady Bird learns to appreciate her mother’s love and gains a deeper understanding of their bond.

Mom (2017)

“Mom” is a Bollywood thriller that revolves around Devki, a devoted stepmother who seeks justice for her stepdaughter, Arya, after she is sexually assaulted by a group of spoiled rich students from her school. When the legal system fails, Devki takes matters into her own hands, seeking vengeance against the perpetrators. The film explores the themes of maternal love and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. Sridevi is absolutely fabulous in this thriller.

Mother’s Day (2016)

Well, this is an obvious choice! Starring an ensemble cast (including Jennifer Anniston and Julia Roberts), the movie follows multiple characters in the days leading up to Mother’s Day. It explores the complexities of motherhood and family relationships. It’s the perfect movie to watch if you and your mom are in the mood for a feel-good romantic comedy.

English Vinglish (2012)

This is another excellent Sridevi movie to watch on Mother’s Day that will leave you hugging your mom. The movie follows Shashi, a humble housewife and caterer, who is usually mocked by her family for not knowing English. Her attempt to learn the language helps her rediscover her strength and independence and reassert her value as a mother and a wife. This movie celebrates the resilience and inner beauty of mothers.

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

This award-winning film, starring Michelle Yeoh, shows an estranged mother and daughter finding their way back to each other—with obviously a twist where Yeoh finds herself connected to multiple parallel universes and fights bizarre dangers as the fate of the world hangs in a balance.

Erin Brockovich (2000)

Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts), a struggling mother of three, takes on a legal battle against a corporation accused of contaminating a small town’s water supply. The inspiring film, based on a true story, shows a mother’s unwavering commitment to her children’s well-being and her community’s welfare.

Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)

The popular Netflix series follows the lives of single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory as they navigate the ups and downs of life in the quirky town of Stars Hollow. Filled with banter, heartfelt moments, and strong female relationships, this show explored the bond between mothers and daughters.

Masaba Masaba (2020–)

“Masaba Masaba” is a fictionalized series based on the lives of fashion designer Masaba Gupta and her actress mother, Neena Gupta. Blending reality and fiction, the show follows Masaba’s professional and personal journey while exploring her complex relationship with her mother.