The Eyes of My Mother (2016)

About The Eyes of My Mother

"The Eyes of My Mother" is a harrowing exploration of loneliness and the depths to which one woman's psychosis can drive her. The plot follows Francisca, a young, lonely woman who has been traumatized by a disturbing childhood event. After her mother, a former surgeon, teaches her to understand anatomy and be unfazed by death, she is left isolated and consumed by her longing for connection, ultimately leading to horrific consequences.

Making / Production

The movie was directed by Nicolas Pesce in his directorial debut and was produced by Max Born and Schuyler Weiss. Shot in crisp black and white cinematography, the film's visually stunning aesthetic is used creatively to underline its chilling themes. The beautifully bleak rural setting further builds the tense and stark atmosphere of the film.

Actors

• Kika Magalhães: Depicts Francisca, the film's tormented protagonist. Her performance is the backbone of the film, portraying the character's chilling detachment with remarkable intensity.
• Paul Nazak: Plays the role of Francisca's father, who becomes an enabler of her deadly passion. His portrayal aids in creating a complex dynamic with Francisca.
• Clara Wong: As Kimiko, the only potential friend for Francisca, she brings a sense of vulnerability and terror with her performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's striking visual style was carefully composed to emphasize its minimalist aesthetic. It was shot in just 27 days.
• Nicolas Pesce's debut film was heavily inspired by his childhood love of old Universal monster movies and true crime books.
• The film is presented in English, Portuguese, and French, reflecting the diverse cultural background of its characters and creators.

Music, Soundtrack

• The original score by Ariel Loh adds a haunting, atmospheric layer to the unsettling visuals.
• The soundtrack also features Portuguese Fado music, layered in to complement the character's Portuguese roots.

Quotes

• "My mother always said that the human body has many more secrets than anything in the medicine books."
• "I remember I was fascinated by how the insides of the body looked."
• "I miss you, Mommy. Can you come back now?"