Love, Control, and One Last Goodbye

Read Time:5 Minute, 37 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Greek Mothers Never Die
–

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 2h
Director(s): Rachel Suissa
Writer(s): Rachel Suissa
Cast: Abby Miner, Simon Rérolle, Carter Siranni, Wade Hunt Williams, Asia Suissa-Fuller, James Pearthree, Michelle Calloway, Mollie Laylin, Bennett Pappas, Sophia Sutton, Kelby Roberson, Bob O'Hara
Where to Watch: Available on demand May 9, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: It is fascinating how unresolved relationships can stretch beyond their natural limits—how absence doesn’t erase presence, and how loss can feel like a new beginning disguised as a setback. This film taps into that emotional gray zone where love and control intermingle, delivering a character-driven blend of supernatural comedy and earnest drama. It carves out a quieter, more intimate lane, where the weight of expectation, personal stagnation, and maternal intervention are just as haunting as any ghost story.

Spoiler Warning (I try to avoid spoilers as much as possible, but I don’t think I can talk about this film without allowing this to be known.)

Ella, nearing thirty, hasn’t exactly hit her stride. Her life is still shaped by the gravitational pull of her mother’s influence. Her dreams of becoming a singer have been sidelined by obligation, emotional fatigue, and the suffocating comfort of routine. But when Despina—the overbearing, relentlessly involved matriarch—dies and reappears, Ella’s crisis takes on a supernatural twist. Instead of resting in peace, Despina lingers, dishing out advice, inserting herself into romantic prospects, and continuing her campaign to shape Ella’s destiny from beyond the grave.

What could have easily slid into comedy or gimmick-heavy antics is handled with an unexpectedly grounded tone. There’s a sincerity in how the film approaches generational tension that lets it rise above the premise. Despina’s return isn’t about terror—it’s about the unfinished business of motherhood, the messiness of expectations passed down like heirlooms, and the inability to let go, even when it’s long overdue.

Ella isn’t portrayed as lost—she never had the space to start. Abby Miner plays her with an understated vulnerability, letting the tension simmer under the surface. Her resistance isn’t loud, but it’s palpable. The chemistry between her and Rachel Suissa (who plays Despina and wrote, directed, and produced the film) is the film’s anchor. Their dynamic is never static; it evolves as grief, resentment, affection, and frustration all cycle through in complex, believable rhythms.

Suissa’s direction favors restraint over spectacle. There’s no need for over-the-top visuals; the story finds its momentum in character interaction and layering. She allows contradiction to thrive in every scene, trusting audiences to relate to the ambiguity rather than needing clean resolutions. The result is a film that feels cohesive despite its genre-blending, where absurdity and sincerity live together.

The backdrop—split between Greece and a small Florida town steeped in culture—adds texture without overstatement. The setting isn’t just window dressing; it shapes the characters' world, influencing their language, values, and sense of identity. Angélica Perez-Castro’s cinematography brings both environments to life with warmth and clarity, helping to anchor a narrative that deals with the metaphysical visually.

Ella’s passion for music—central to her identity—could have used deeper integration. It’s mentioned and represented but not fully explored in a way that gives it emotional heft. That thread feels underdeveloped, leaving part of her journey less satisfying than it might have been.

The film's tonal precision stands out more than any single narrative element. Balancing humor and grief is no easy feat, especially when the story asks viewers to accept a literal ghost as a metaphor for emotional entrapment. Yet the film rarely wobbles. It never sacrifices character for laughs and doesn't drown in its sentimentality. That consistency gives it a sense of purpose, even when some storylines don’t fully bloom.

Behind the camera, Suissa proves that artistic vision can shine despite logistical constraints. Shot in 17 days, the film wears its indie badge with confidence, leaning into close character work rather than big gestures. That clarity of vision extends to the performances, the editing, and the script, which smartly avoids unnecessary detours or indulgent pacing.

My biggest struggle is the film's ‘resolution’ for Ella. I understand what was being said, but seeing the film take a stronger route for her would have been nice. After everything she went through, I think she deserves better than having to settle for being the one who has to teach a lesson to someone else to make them realize what she’s worth.

The project is especially meaningful in reclaiming emotional labor as a narrative. It’s not about the spectacle of a ghost haunting a daughter—it’s about how the past haunts us in quieter, more persistent ways. It’s a story about finally hearing your voice over the noise of everyone else’s, even when one of those voices refuses to go quietly. This isn’t a story designed to dazzle. It doesn’t ask for adoration. What it does ask is more complicated—it asks for reflection, for recognition, and maybe even a little forgiveness. And in that ask, it finds its greatest strength.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching for 'Overly Honest Reviews'.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please don't hesitate to say hello or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of GRAVITAS VENTURES, R.A.D. PICTURES]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive complimentary items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl Records, Books, and more. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.