Movies: Once upon my mother (2025) by Ken Scott: A Mother's Unwavering Love

A Mother's Promise and a Son's Destiny

Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan (My Mother, God and Sylvie Vartan) is a French-Canadian dramatic comedy directed by Ken Scott. Based on the autobiography of Roland Perez, the film tells the story of his birth in 1963 with a clubfoot. Defying the pessimism of doctors and others, his mother, Esther, makes an unwavering promise to her son: he will walk like everyone else and have a fabulous life. The film is a touching tribute to a mother's fierce determination, exploring the powerful, transformative bond between a mother and her child.

Why to watch this movie: A Story of Hope and Resilience

• A powerful true story: The film is an adaptation of a real-life autobiography, lending an authenticity and emotional weight that can be incredibly moving. It's a testament to the power of a mother's belief in her child, even in the face of immense challenges.

• An emotional blend of comedy and drama: Ken Scott, known for his ability to seamlessly blend humor and heart, brings a unique tone to this film. The movie is not just a heavy drama about a disability; it's also a celebration of life, family, and the quirky, often humorous, moments that make life beautiful.

• Exceptional performances: The cast, led by Leïla Bekhti as Esther and Jonathan Cohen, has been highly praised for their moving and authentic portrayals, bringing to life the incredible story with sincerity and emotion.

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/ma-mere-dieu-et-sylvie-vartan (France), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/ma-mere-dieu-et-sylvie-vartan (Canada)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/fr/title/tt29927144/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/474675/

About movie: https://cineuropa.org/en/film/474672/

What Trend is followed: The rise of Docu-Narratives

This film aligns with the trend of adapting autobiographical and biographical stories for the screen. There's a growing appetite for films that offer intimate, personal glimpses into the lives of real people, especially when those stories are inspiring and emotionally resonant.

Director's Vision: The Universality of the Singular

• A focus on family: Director Ken Scott has a history of exploring complex family dynamics in his work (e.g., Starbuck). In Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan, his vision is to take a very specific, singular story—that of Roland Perez and his mother—and highlight the universal themes within it: a mother's love, the struggle with adversity, and the bonds that hold a family together.

• A fluid blend of genres: Scott's direction is defined by his ability to move fluidly between comedy and drama. He creates a tone that is both touching and lighthearted, allowing the audience to laugh and cry with the characters.

• An exploration of human connection: His vision is to create a film that is not only a tribute to a mother's strength but also a celebration of human connection and the a-kindness of others.

Themes: The Unconditional Nature of Love

• Mother's love: The central theme is the boundless and unconditional nature of a mother's love. Esther's journey is a powerful demonstration of how far a mother will go to protect her child and help them achieve their dreams.

• Overcoming adversity: The film is a powerful story of resilience. It highlights how the determination of one person, coupled with the support of family, can help overcome even the most daunting physical and social challenges.

• The power of a promise: The movie is built on Esther's promise to her son. This central idea reinforces the theme that words, when backed by unwavering belief and action, can have a profound impact on a person's life.

Key success factors: An Emotional and Authentic Approach

• Heartfelt storytelling: The film's success lies in its sincere and heartfelt approach to the material. It doesn't rely on melodrama but instead lets the genuine emotion of the story shine through.

• Strong cast chemistry: The chemistry between the lead actors, particularly between Leïla Bekhti and Jonathan Cohen, is a crucial factor in the film's success. It makes their family dynamic feel incredibly real and relatable.

• Box office performance: The film has already been a box office success in France, with its strong start attracting audiences and critics alike, becoming one of Ken Scott's most successful films in France.

Awards and Nominations: Critical and Public Acclaim

• The film's success has been highlighted by its strong performance at the box office. It was also listed by Vanity Fair as one of the 23 most anticipated films in France in 2025.

Critics reception: A Sincere and Moving Portrait

• Le Journal de Montréal noted that the film had a great start at the French box office and praised it as the best start for a Ken Scott film in the country.

• Mondociné called the film a "little jewel" and praised the "masterful interpretation of the actors," highlighting its ability to be both "touching and funny."

• Overall, critics praised the film for its emotional depth, the sincerity of its narrative, and the strong performances of the cast. The consensus is that it is a beautiful and moving tribute to mothers everywhere.

Reviews: A Tear-Jerking and Inspiring Story

• Reviews from audiences on platforms like SensCritique called the film "magnificent" and "a masterpiece." Viewers were particularly moved by the emotional sincerity of the story and the powerful performances.

• Audience reviews often mentioned that they both laughed and cried while watching the film, a testament to its successful blend of humor and drama.

Release dates

• Release date on streaming: The film was made available for video-on-demand on digital platforms like Vimeo, Apple TV, and Illico, starting in July 2025.

• Theatrical Release: The film was released in France on March 19, 2025, and in Quebec on April 4, 2025.

What Movie Trend film is following: The French-Canadian Dramatic Comedy

The film is a perfect example of the French-Canadian dramatic comedy genre. It combines a deeply emotional and serious subject with a light, humorous touch that is characteristic of Ken Scott's work and many films from Quebec. This genre often explores universal human themes with a quirky, authentic, and emotionally honest style.

What Big Social Trend is following: The Celebration of Caregivers

The film taps into the growing social trend of recognizing and celebrating caregivers, particularly mothers. It shines a spotlight on the often unseen sacrifices and immense strength of parents who dedicate their lives to their children, especially those with disabilities. The film is a beautiful cinematic expression of this societal shift toward appreciating the emotional labor and unwavering love of those who care for others.

Final Verdict: A Cinematic Ode to a Mother's Love

Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan is a beautifully crafted film that is both a touching family drama and a humorous coming-of-age story. Ken Scott has created a cinematic masterpiece that is emotionally resonant and universally relatable. The film's sincerity and its powerful message about the strength of a mother's love make it a must-watch for anyone who wants a movie that will make them both laugh and cry.