The Evolution of Family, One Frame at a Time

Read Time:3 Minute, 41 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Motherboard
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Victoria Mapplebeck
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 2024 CPH:DOX Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: MOTHERBOARD serves up a narrative feast seasoned with the authentic experiences of Victoria Mapplebeck and her son, Jim, as they journey through the unscripted scenes of their family's life and what being a single parent means. Directed by the BAFTA-awarded Mapplebeck, this documentary mixes personal growth, technological evolution, and the resilience of the human spirit. With visuals that flip from professional-grade DVCAMs to smartphone footage, MOTHERBOARD captures the essence of life’s intimate moments and challenges, albeit through a lens that occasionally struggles to zoom in on new territory.

Mapplebeck's pivot from a rising star in television to a pioneering role in motherhood anchors the plot of MOTHERBOARD. This daring shift charts a new course for her life and signals the documentary's exploration of family evolution amidst technological change. The seamless transition from studio cameras to sleek smartphones chronicles more than just time; it frames the heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching episodes between a mother and her son.

Premiering at the prestigious CPH:DOX (Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival,) MOTHERBOARD ignites discussions on motherhood's portrayal in contemporary media. With its raw take on illness, mental health, and non-traditional family structures (although I hate that phrasing; family means something different to everyone), the documentary aspires to resonate with a broad spectrum of viewers. It stitches personal tales with universal threads, encouraging audiences to ponder their family bonds and the imprints of their memories.

Despite its heartfelt narrative, MOTHERBOARD occasionally finds itself in familiar waters, navigating the well-charted course of personal documentaries without always steering towards unexplored shores. This isn’t to knock the film, and neither is my 2.5/5 star rating. Many will look at that and believe I hated the movie, but that’s not true. For my rating structure, a 2.5 is the mathematical midpoint between a film I loved and one I didn’t like. There was so much here that I genuinely enjoyed, yet there also felt like so much was left on the table or perhaps the “cutting room floor.” I wanted a deeper dive into this family and what they were like in this world.

At its heart, MOTHERBOARD is an ode to the enduring spirit of single mothers and the intricate dance of life they perform. It invites viewers to step into a world where technology not only documents but also plays a pivotal role in the narrative of family life. This documentary challenges the stereotypical scripts of motherhood, offering an insightful look into the evolving relationship between Mapplebeck and her son as they navigate the digital and real worlds.

MOTHERBOARD is a powerful reminder of the resilience required to direct one's life story against adversity. More than a mere recounting of a mother and son's journey, this documentary resonates as a vibrant depiction of contemporary family dynamics and the profound impact of technology on storytelling. While it may not carve out a new genre, it beckons audiences interested in the confluence of documentary artistry and the multifaceted experiences of family life in the digital age.

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[photo courtesy of OKRE, FIRST PERSON FILMS]

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