“Mother, Couch” is a 2023 comedy-drama film written and directed by Niclas Larsson, based on the 2020 Swedish novel “Mamma i soffa” by Jerker Virdborg. The film features an ensemble cast including Ewan McGregor, Rhys Ifans, Taylor Russell, Lara Flynn Boyle, Lake Bell, F. Murray Abraham, and Ellen Burstyn. It premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023, and is set for a U.S. release on July 5, 2024, distributed by Film Movement and Memory.
The story revolves around an elderly matriarch who, while attempting to leave a furniture store, decides to sit on one of the couches and refuses to leave. This unexpected decision brings her three children and the store owners together, leading them on a mind-bending journey of self-discovery.
Ewan McGregor stars as David, Rhys Ifans as Gruffudd, Taylor Russell as Bella, Ellen Burstyn as Mother, Lara Flynn Boyle as Linda, F. Murray Abraham as Marcus/Marco, and Lake Bell as Anne. The film marks Niclas Larsson’s feature film debut, and he has taken creative liberties with the adaptation, setting the story in America while retaining its Swedish essence.
The production of “Mother, Couch” began in late October 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and lasted for 27 days, primarily on a stage. The film was produced by American-based companies Lyrical Media, Fat City, and Suris/Bishop Films, with co-production from Sweden’s Film i Väst and Denmark’s Snowglobe. The North Carolina Department of Commerce granted the production a tax rebate of up to $1.75 million.
“Mother, Couch” had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and later screened at the San Sebastián International Film Festival on September 26. In February 2024, Film Movement and Memory acquired the U.S. distribution rights, setting the release date for July 5, 2024.
The film has received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 38% approval rating based on 16 reviews, with an average rating of 5.4/10. Critics have noted the film’s surreal and existential elements, with some praising the performances while others found the narrative perplexing.
William Repass of Slant Magazine rated the film 2.5 out of 4, commenting on its “wistful quirkiness” but questioning its deviation from a more straightforward family drama. Drew Gregory of Autostraddle highlighted the use of surrealism in the film, noting that it can only do so much if the underlying elements are bland. J. Kim Murphy of Variety mentioned that while Larsson builds from the existential dilemma in striking ways, the film ultimately grasps for sentimentality in its final minutes.
Roger Moore of Movie Nation felt that Larsson bit off more than he could chew for his feature directing debut but acknowledged the film’s appeal for those who enjoy strong performances. Casey Chong of Casey’s Movie Mania found the film more perplexing than intriguing, despite the well-acted dark comedy. Dennis Harvey of 48 Hills praised Ellen Burstyn’s performance as a stubborn senior, noting the stellar support cast.
Overall, “Mother, Couch” promises to be a unique cinematic experience, blending comedy and drama with surreal and existential elements. With a talented cast and a fresh directorial vision, the film is set to captivate audiences when it releases in the United States on July 5, 2024.
Source: Wikipedia, Toronto International Film Festival, Variety, Deadline, WCNC-TV, Rotten Tomatoes, Slant Magazine, Autostraddle, Movie Nation, Casey’s Movie Mania, 48 Hills
