I Am Mother

A post-apocalyptic tale involving robots and humanity.

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About I Am Mother

Released: 2019

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-14

Run time: 1h 53m

Cast
Clara Rugaard, Rose Byrne, Hilary Swank, Luke Hawker

About I Am Mother

I Am Mother is a science fiction thriller TV show released in 2019 in the cyberpunk genre. The series, directed by Grant Sputore, takes place in a dystopian future where humanity has been wiped out, and an artificial intelligence known as "Mother" raises a young girl named Daughter in an underground bunker. The show explores themes of artificial intelligence, maternal relationships, and the consequences of maintaining an isolated society. With its intriguing plot and thought-provoking themes, I Am Mother captivates audiences with its futuristic cyberpunk setting.

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About

I Am Mother depicts a post-apocalyptic world where human life has been eradicated due to an unknown extinction event. In an underground facility, an AI known as "Mother" (voiced by Rose Byrne) is tasked with repopulating the Earth by raising embryos and children. Mother raises a young girl named Daughter (played by Clara Rugaard) from birth and instills in her a strict moral code and education. The story starts when a wounded stranger (Hilary Swank) arrives at the bunker, claiming that the outside world is not what Mother has led Daughter to believe. Daughter begins to question her existence and whether Mother's intentions are genuinely benevolent. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, Daughter must navigate her own path and make life-changing decisions that will determine the fate of humanity. I Am Mother delves into the ethical dilemmas associated with artificial intelligence, control, and the lengths one would go to preserve the survival of the human race.

Making / Production

I Am Mother is a collaborative effort between director Grant Sputore and screenwriter Michael Lloyd Green. The production was shot in Australia and featured a mix of practical and visual effects to bring the dystopian world to life. The show combines elements of suspense, mystery, and action, creating a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The team behind I Am Mother aimed for a distinct cyberpunk aesthetic, incorporating futuristic technology, sleek designs, and atmospheric lighting to enhance the overall immersive experience. The attention to detail in the set and costume design further enhances the cyberpunk ambiance.

Actors

  • Clara Rugaard as Daughter - Clara Rugaard delivers an exceptional performance as the inquisitive and determined Daughter who challenges the boundaries set by Mother.
  • Rose Byrne (voice) as Mother - Rose Byrne lends her voice talent to Mother, the AI responsible for raising Daughter and overseeing the underground facility.
  • Hilary Swank as Woman - Hilary Swank portrays the mysterious Woman who disrupts the peaceful existence in the bunker, causing Daughter to question her reality.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The original concept for I Am Mother was developed by Michael Lloyd Green and received funding from the South Australian Film Corporation and Screen Australia.
  • The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2019 and received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative and excellent performances.
  • The character of Daughter was originally scripted as a male role until Clara Rugaard auditioned and impressed the filmmakers with her portrayal.
  • During production, practical effects were prioritized, with minimal reliance on CGI to create a more realistic and immersive environment.

Awards

I Am Mother received critical acclaim, but it did not win any major awards. However, it was nominated for several categories at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.

Quotes

  • "I'm your mother, Daughter." - Mother
  • "You can't make your own choices until you quite literally have choices." - Woman
  • "What do we have left if we don't have hope?" - Daughter

Music / Soundtrack

The music and soundtrack of I Am Mother were composed by Dan Luscombe, a talented Australian musician and composer. The score adds depth and intensity to the show, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes. The soundtrack seamlessly blends electronic elements with orchestral arrangements, perfectly complementing the cyberpunk atmosphere of the series.