'Masterpiece' thriller with 96% Rotten Tomatoes score has fans 'glued to screen'

A gritty thriller is hailed by fans as a "masterpiece" and boasts a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Mother (2009) tells the story of an unnamed middle-aged widow (played Kim Hye-ja) who lives with her 27-year-old son (Won-bin) in a small South Korean town. He has learning difficulties and she is intensely protective of him.

After he is accused of murdering a local girl, she sets out to prove his innocence and find the real killer. The film was directed by Bong Joon Ho, perhaps best known for 2019's Parasite, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Director.

Mother, which came out some 10 years earlier, features the filmmaker's characteristic flashes of surrealism, violence, and piercing examination of social issues.

It's been hailed by audiences, with one fan on Rotten Tomatoes writing: "Another Bong Joon-ho masterpiece. This time, without overwhelming the story with excessive character backstories or complex subplots, it feels simpler on the surface, yet it's full of hidden layers.

"As always, Bong weaves in brilliantly subtle social commentary, exploring love, intimacy, justice, and truth. The lead actress delivers an immense, powerful, and deeply moving performance."

Another added: "An exceptional film with a unique and captivating pace. The story is packed with unexpected twists that keep you glued to the screen from start to finish.

"The protagonist's portrayal of the mother is a masterstroke, delivering a subtle yet deeply compelling performance that unravels layers of emotion and intrigue. A must watch movie."

A third said: "Interesting film and also with an unexpected ending. The acting of the mother and the leading actor is marvelous."

It has a 96% score on the website's Tomatometer, which reflects the percentage of positive reviews among approved critics, as well as a strong 89% score among general audiences.

The film has a 15 certificate and contains strong language, sex and violence. It also includes suicide references so may not be for everyone.

Mother is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime, and rent with Curzon.