New Movies: Lioness (2025) by Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo: A Mother's Desperate Love

Core Summary: An Extreme Mother's Plan

Lioness is a 2025 Estonian drama film directed by Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo. The film centers on Helena, a professional paramedic who is highly capable in her work but struggles to connect with her rebellious teenage daughter, Stefi. When Stefi spirals into a dangerous, self-destructive path, joining a violent youth gang, Helena devises an extreme and desperate plan: to secretly kidnap and confine her daughter in a remote summer house. However, this desperate act sets off an unexpected chain of events that challenges Helena's understanding of motherhood and forces her to confront the true meaning of her love.

Snapshot: Desperate Measures, Unforeseen Consequences

A paramedic mother, unable to reach her troubled teen daughter, resorts to a drastic plan of kidnapping and confinement. Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo's "Lioness" is a powerful Estonian drama that explores the dark lengths a mother will go to protect her child and the shocking fallout from extreme love.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20420804/

About movie: https://allfilm.ee/work/lioness/

Link to watch: (industry professionals): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/lioness-2

Deep Dive: Beyond the Brink of Motherhood

Lioness introduces us to Helena (played by Katariina Unt), a 48-year-old paramedic whose professional life is defined by competence and control. She's adept at handling crises and witnessing the harsh realities of life behind closed doors. Paradoxically, this strong, pragmatic woman finds herself utterly lost when it comes to her own family, specifically her 15-year-old daughter, Stefi (played by Teele Piibemann).

Stefi, a smart but lonely teenager, plunges into a rebellious phase, shaving her head, skipping school, and falling in with a dangerous youth gang, influenced by her new girlfriend, Mariann (Elina Masing). Helena's days become consumed by fear and her nights by frantic searches for her daughter. Her husband, Kaarel (Ivo Uukkivi), struggles to maintain the crumbling family unit, caught between his wife's escalating desperation and his daughter's alienation. Even their younger son, Sander, suffers from the family's fractured attention.

The turning point arrives when Stefi suffers a serious drug overdose, landing her in the hospital. This event pushes Helena to her breaking point. A desperate, almost insane plan takes root in her mind: to secretly abduct Stefi from the hospital and hold her captive in the family's old, remote summer house. She believes this "shock captivity" is the only way to save her daughter from the "evil world." Despite the refusal of Priit (Nils Mattias Steinberg), a sympathetic policeman whose own son is in the same gang, Helena presses forward with her perilous scheme.

However, just moments before Helena can execute her plan, Stefi disappears again from the hospital. This second disappearance throws Helena into a profound state of shock and delusion. As the police, media, and volunteers join Kaarel in a frantic real-world search for Stefi, Helena retreats into a secret, imaginary world at the summer house, living out the kidnapping scenario she had planned. In this psychological space, detached from the unbearable reality, Helena confronts the core of her motherly love, grappling with what it truly means to care for and connect with her child. The film promises a deep dive into the psychological disintegration of a mother pushed to her absolute limit, exploring themes of unconditional love, control, and the blurry line between sanity and madness.

The Journey: A Mother's Descent into Desperation

• The Unreachable Daughter: Helena, a capable paramedic, struggles with her rebellious 15-year-old daughter, Stefi, who has joined a dangerous gang and become self-destructive.

• Family Strain: The growing crisis impacts the entire family, with Helena consumed by fear, and her husband and younger son struggling amidst the turmoil.

• The Overdose and Desperate Plan: After Stefi overdoses and is hospitalized, Helena conceives an extreme plan to kidnap and confine her daughter in a remote summer house to "save" her.

• Second Disappearance: Just as Helena is about to execute her plan, Stefi vanishes again from the hospital, plunging Helena into deep shock and a psychological crisis.

• Blurred Reality: While the real search for Stefi continues, Helena retreats into an imaginary world at the summer house, living out her planned captivity, as reality and delusion intertwine.

• Redefining Love: In this state, Helena is forced to confront her past actions and re-evaluate her understanding of motherly love, seeking a new meaning amidst her despair.

Director's Lens: Psychological Realism and Emotional Intensity

Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo, known for her documentary work and her critically acclaimed debut feature Take It or Leave It (which was Estonia's Oscar submission), approaches "Lioness" with a keen eye for psychological realism and intense emotional depth. Her direction focuses on the internal turmoil of her characters, particularly Helena's descent into desperation and delusion.

Trishkina-Vanhatalo is expected to create a somber, atmospheric mood, reflecting the inner landscape of a mother pushed to her limits. Her documentary background likely informs a grounded, authentic portrayal of the family dynamics and the escalating crisis. Rather than relying on overt melodrama, she aims for a nuanced exploration of unconditional love, control, and the boundaries of sanity. The film is likely to feature strong, raw performances, guiding the audience through Helena's complex emotional journey with a sense of quiet dread and profound empathy. She uses the stark realities of a small, seemingly ordinary setting to underscore the extraordinary psychological struggle unfolding within it.

Central Themes: Unconditional Love, Control, and Mental Deterioration

• The Nature of Motherly Love: The film profoundly explores the boundaries and complexities of a mother's love, questioning how far one can or should go to "save" a child, and whether love can become possessive or even destructive.

• Control vs. Freedom: It delves into the tension between a parent's desire for control over a child's life and a teenager's yearning for autonomy, especially when that autonomy leads to self-destructive choices.

• Mental Health and Delusion: A significant theme is Helena's psychological deterioration, blurring the lines between reality and delusion as she copes with an unbearable situation, raising questions about sanity in extreme distress.

• Family Dysfunction and Communication: The film highlights the breakdown of communication within a family and the consequences of emotional abandonment, showing how unspoken deeds can lead to tragic outcomes.

• Desperation and Consequences: It examines the desperate measures individuals take when faced with overwhelming fear and helplessness, and the unforeseen, often devastating, ripple effects of such choices.

Why It Shines: Raw Emotion and Award-Winning Storytelling

• Powerful Emotional Core: The film's exploration of a mother's desperate love and psychological struggle offers a deeply moving and disturbing emotional narrative.

• Award-Winning Recognition: Having already secured Best Feature Film and Best Screenwriter at the Estonian Film and Television Awards (EFTAs) in 2025, "Lioness" comes with strong national acclaim, indicating its quality.

• Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo's Vision: Her directorial style, focusing on psychological realism and character depth, makes this a compelling and impactful drama.

• Strong Performances: The cast, particularly Katariina Unt as Helena, is expected to deliver raw and authentic portrayals of characters facing extreme circumstances.

• Universal Themes: Despite its specific cultural setting, the themes of parental love, teenage rebellion, and mental distress are universally relatable.

Awards & Acclaim: A National Acclaim for a Powerful Drama

"Lioness" has already garnered significant national recognition in Estonia. In April 2025, it was a big winner at the Estonian Film and Television Awards (EFTA), securing two major accolades:

• Best Feature Film

• Best Screenwriter (for Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo)

This early success at a prominent national awards ceremony speaks to the film's artistic merit, strong narrative, and impactful direction. This acclaim positions "Lioness" as a standout Estonian film of its year, likely setting it up for further festival appearances and potentially wider international distribution.

Critical Voices: Praised for Depth and Performance

Critical reception for "Lioness" has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from those who've seen it at festivals or in its Estonian release.

• Emotional Power: Critics have lauded the film for its "profoundly moving" and "disturbing" portrayal of a mother's love, noting its ability to evoke strong emotional responses without resorting to melodrama.

• Complex Character Study: Helena's character arc, her descent into desperation and delusion, is a central point of praise, with reviewers highlighting the "nuance and vulnerability" brought by Katariina Unt's performance.

• Masterful Direction: Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo's direction is commended for its "psychological precision" and "atmospheric tension," creating a palpable sense of dread and unease that immerses the viewer in Helena's fractured reality.

• Social Relevance: Some critics have noted the film's timely exploration of mental health struggles within families and the often-unseen battles parents face when their children go down dangerous paths.

• Authenticity: Given the director's background, the film is praised for its "grounded realism" and authentic portrayal of its characters and setting, making the dramatic events feel all the more impactful.

Overall, "Lioness" is celebrated as a powerful and emotionally charged drama that offers a raw, unflinching look at the complexities of family love and mental distress.

Audience Reactions: Resonating with Parental Fears

Audience reactions to "Lioness" have been deeply empathetic and often reflective, particularly among parents.

• Relatability of Parental Fear: Many audience members have expressed how the film taps into universal parental anxieties about losing a child to destructive influences and the desperation to protect them at all costs.

• Emotional Impact: Viewers report being deeply affected by Helena's journey, finding her struggles heartbreaking and her descent into delusion compelling, even if difficult to watch.

• Thought-Provoking: The film prompts discussions about the line between love and obsession, parental responsibility, and the nuances of mental health within family units.

• Praise for Acting: Katariina Unt's portrayal of Helena has resonated strongly with audiences, who describe her performance as "raw," "believable," and "devastating."

• Intense Viewing Experience: While not a traditional thriller, the film's psychological intensity and emotional stakes keep audiences engaged, though some may find its themes challenging.

Audiences generally view "Lioness" as a powerful and important drama that offers a unique and unsettling perspective on a mother's love and the extreme lengths one might go to for a child.

Box Office Performance: Festival and Arthouse Success

As an Estonian feature film, "Lioness" is not expected to compete with international blockbusters in terms of traditional box office numbers. Its success will be primarily measured by its performance in Estonia, its run on the international film festival circuit, and potential sales for art-house distribution or streaming platforms in various territories.

Having already won major awards at the Estonian Film and Television Awards, "Lioness" will likely see a strong local release in Estonia and increased visibility for international sales and festival programming. Its artistic merit suggests it is geared towards a more discerning audience interested in character-driven dramas rather than mass market appeal.

Production Notes: Estonian Craftsmanship, Universal Story

"Lioness" is an Estonian production, primarily produced by Allfilm, a prominent Estonian film production company known for its quality features and documentaries. The film is directed by Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo, who also wrote the screenplay.

The production likely occurred in Estonia, utilizing the country's diverse landscapes and urban environments to create the authentic setting for Helena's story. Given its dramatic and psychological focus, the budget would likely be modest compared to large international productions, with emphasis on strong performances, meticulous direction, and atmospheric cinematography rather than extensive visual effects. The film's recognition for Best Screenwriter underscores the strength of its narrative development, a key aspect of its production.

Production Companies: Allfilm Leading the Way

• Allfilm: The primary production company. Allfilm is one of Estonia's leading film production companies, with a strong track record of producing critically acclaimed features, documentaries, and co-productions. Their involvement signals a commitment to high artistic standards.

Sales & Distribution: Targeting Festival Circuit and Arthouse Markets

• International Sales: The film is being handled by a sales agent (e.g., possibly Film Republic, which is associated with Trishkina-Vanhatalo's previous work, or another European sales company) aiming to secure distribution deals in various international territories.

• Festival Circuit: Given its national award success, "Lioness" is highly likely to be a fixture on the international film festival circuit throughout 2025, gaining exposure and critical attention.

• Arthouse/Specialty Distributors: It will likely be picked up by independent and art-house distributors in key markets, and potentially by streaming platforms looking for acclaimed international dramas.

Release Timeline: Estonian Premiere and 2025 Festival Run

"Lioness" premiered in Estonia given its wins at the Estonian Film and Television Awards in April 2025. It will likely continue its festival run throughout 2025, with wider international releases in select territories to follow depending on distribution deals.

Why See It: A Harrowing Yet Human Portrayal

• For a Deep Emotional Journey: The film offers a raw and unflinching look at the extremes of a mother's love and the psychological toll of desperation.

• Critically Acclaimed: With major Estonian awards under its belt, "Lioness" is a testament to quality storytelling and filmmaking.

• To Experience World Cinema: It provides an opportunity to engage with a powerful drama from Estonian cinema, showcasing unique perspectives and artistic voices.

• Strong Performance by Lead Actress: Katariina Unt's portrayal of Helena is expected to be a standout, offering a deeply human and empathetic character study.

Why Watch: To Confront the Depths of Love and Loss

• If You Appreciate Intense Character Studies: The film excels in its intimate and harrowing portrayal of Helena's psychological state.

• To Explore Complex Family Dynamics: It's a gripping narrative about the breakdown of communication and the desperate attempts to mend a fractured family.

• For Fans of Thought-Provoking Drama: "Lioness" goes beyond simple plot, inviting viewers to ponder the nature of love, control, and mental endurance.

• To Discover Award-Winning Talent: See why Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo and her film have been recognized with significant national accolades.

Movie Trend: The Raw Psychological Drama

"Lioness" embodies the "Raw Psychological Drama" movie trend. This trend focuses on deeply internal struggles, often exploring mental health, family dysfunction, and extreme emotional states with an unvarnished, realistic approach. These films prioritize character study and atmospheric tension over plot-driven thrills, often drawing from an arthouse sensibility. "Lioness" fits this perfectly by delving into a mother's desperation and her descent into delusion, offering a powerful, emotionally charged, and often uncomfortable, viewing experience.

Social Trend: Mental Health Awareness in Families

"Lioness" aligns with the social trend of "Mental Health Awareness in Families." The film directly addresses the profound psychological distress experienced by a parent when a child is on a self-destructive path, and how this can impact the entire family unit. It contributes to the growing societal conversation around the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health challenges, not just in individuals but within the context of family dynamics, particularly the immense pressure and emotional toll on caregivers. The film highlights the often-hidden struggles and desperate measures that can arise when communication breaks down and mental well-being is at stake.

Final Verdict: A Gripping and Emotionally Charged Journey

"Lioness" is a powerful and critically acclaimed Estonian drama that offers a raw, unflinching look at the extremes of a mother's love. Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo's masterful direction, combined with an intense and deeply empathetic performance by Katariina Unt, creates a psychological journey that is both harrowing and profoundly human. The film's exploration of desperation, control, and the blurred lines of reality will resonate deeply with audiences, cementing its place as a significant and emotionally charged work of art within the 2025 cinematic landscape.

Recommendations for Filmmakers: Crafting Emotionally Intense Dramas

• Focus on Internal Conflict: For psychological dramas, prioritize the inner world and emotional journey of your protagonist. "Lioness" excels by delving deep into Helena's mind, making her psychological state the core of the narrative.

• Utilize a Grounded Approach: Even with extreme situations, maintaining a sense of realism in performances and direction makes the emotional impact more potent. Trishkina-Vanhatalo's background likely aided in this authenticity.

• Embrace Nuance in Difficult Themes: When tackling sensitive subjects like mental health and desperate acts, avoid sensationalism. Instead, explore the complexity and moral ambiguities with sensitivity and careful pacing.

• Leverage Strong Acting: Cast actors capable of conveying deep emotional pain and internal turmoil without overacting. The film's success largely hinges on the lead performance's ability to carry the emotional weight.

• Allow Silence and Atmosphere to Speak: Not every emotion needs dialogue. Use cinematography, sound design, and moments of quiet contemplation to build atmosphere and convey unspoken feelings, deepening the psychological impact.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Supporting Distinctive Voices in Drama

• Invest in Character-Driven Narratives: The success of "Lioness" underscores the enduring appeal of profound, character-focused dramas. The industry should continue to support films that prioritize strong storytelling and deep dives into the human condition over purely commercial considerations.

• Promote International Arthouse Cinema: Films like "Lioness" offer unique cultural perspectives and artistic merit. Distributors and platforms should actively seek out and promote such international dramas, exposing them to wider audiences.

• Recognize Early Festival Buzz: Pay close attention to early festival successes and national awards. These accolades can be strong indicators of a film's quality and potential to resonate with discerning audiences globally.

• Support Directors with a Clear Vision: Back directors like Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo who demonstrate a consistent artistic vision and a willingness to tackle challenging, emotionally complex subjects.

• Facilitate Emotional Engagement: For films dealing with intense emotional themes, consider marketing strategies that emphasize the psychological depth and human element, drawing in audiences who seek profound and thought-provoking cinematic experiences.

Final Conclusions: A Profound Look at a Mother's Unyielding Spirit

"Lioness" stands as a poignant and intensely moving examination of the lengths to which a mother's love can stretch, even when confronted with profound despair and the disintegration of her own sanity. Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo has crafted a film that is both specific in its Estonian setting and universal in its emotional resonance, earning well-deserved national acclaim. It is a testament to powerful storytelling and raw performances, offering audiences a harrowing yet deeply human experience that will linger long after viewing. This film is a compelling reminder that the most profound dramas often lie within the most desperate human hearts.