This week we’re talking moms. We’re celebrating the married moms, the single moms, the families with two moms and the moms who can’t be with us anymore. We also can’t forget about the women who choose motherhood through adoption or the dads who don't choose to be mamas, but are solo rockstars anyway!
And while our own moms - both near and far - are given their day of praise, we have seen moms get celebrated in television and movies for decades. We sympathize with them and root for them and so this week we’re breaking down ten of the best mamas to star on the screen.
10. Blanca Evangelista, Pose (2018) played by Mj Rodriguez
Pose offers a new look to television with a powerful cast that gives us one heartfelt performance after another. The show follows the underground ballroom scene and culture in African American and Latino LGBTQ+ communities throughout the 80’s. The show is relatable and tender, but provides heartfelt moments with a backdrop of glamorous ball scenes. Blanca is the mother of House Evangelista and her children adore her because she allows them to express themselves when their own homes and communities turn them out for being different. The beauty that she radiates throughout the series -- particularly the phenomenal Season 1 -- is something everyone can sympathize with and aspire to have.
9. Maria Portokalos, My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) played by Lainie Kazan
This oldie, but GOOOOOOODIE has a special place in my heart. The romantic comedy has some golden one-liners, and has always made me rethink how and when to use Windex. The movie follows Toula Portokalos as she tries to break away from her Orthodox Greek family in search of her own life and happiness...and vanilla white boyfriend. However, there is another relationship within the movie between Toula and her mother, Maria. Although Maria is married to a very traditionally Greek man, it seems like she is content with subscribing to a subservient role as a wife and mother. But in her heart we learn that Maria is much stronger than her own husband, and her free-spirit and willingness to love openly and freely is what makes her such a supportive person in Toula’s life.
8. Joyce Byers, Stranger Things (2016-) Winona Ryder
Coming in at No. 8 is Joyce Byers from Hawkins, Indiana. I mean for three straight seasons Joyce Byers has dealt with flesh eating monsters, aliens and government cover ups, but none of that matters because she will get her boy back by any means necessary. Joyce is literally a whack-job, no doubt, but her devotion to her son motivates her throughout the series and makes her do some pretty amazing things (such as talking to Christmas lights or shutting portals to alternate dimensions). Also, it’s Winona Ryder...we don’t need to say more.
7. Cersei Lannister, Game of Thrones (2011-2019) played by Lena Headey
The Queen of Kings Landing and the biggest (insert your own colorful language here) you’ll ever meet on television. Cersei Lannister might be the most evil woman you'll ever meet...and her actions may have kick started the Game of Throne... and she might actually be the most morally defunct character ever written (besides Walder Frey). But Cersei Lannister is motivated by her unrelenting devotion and obsession with the safety and prosperity of her children. As the series progresses we watch her motherhood and her sanity get tested, which pushes her to some exciting limits. However twisted, no one can deny that Cersei acts out of self-interest to protect her children...no matter what the cost.
6. Leigh Anne Tuohy, The Blind Side (2009) played by Sandra Bullock
Everyone loves a good sports movie and Sandra Bullock delivers a maternal performance that feels exuberant, earnest and true. Whether or not the real Leigh Anny Tuohy meets up to the on-screen interpretation is irrelevant, because Leigh Anne Tuohy’s Southern Belle accent is just irresistible. We love Leigh Anne because she’s relentless in love, but her perseverance and outlook as a mother changes once she takes in Michael Oher and adopts him. We don’t love this mama because she’s a white savior, but because she too grows as her relationship with her adopted son changes throughout the movie. We love Leigh Anne because she shows us that even though moms aren’t perfect, they’ll never stop believing in their child.
5. Marmee March, Little Women (2019) played by Laura Dern
In Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless novel, Laura Dern plays an inspiring and down-to-earth mother in Marmee March. The relationships that Marmee establishes with her daughters represent the strength that mothers give their children by being sympathetic and empathetic, always thinking of others before themselves. Marmee March allows her children to feel and express themselves for their unique journeys in life to establish their own individuality, whatever that may look like.
4. Beatrix “The Bride” Kiddo aka Black Mamba, Kill Bill 1 & 2 (2003, 2004)
An unorthodox choice, but how can you not include one of the greatest assassins in all of movie history? Beatrix Kiddo literally spends two movies clawing her way back to the infamous “Bill,’ all in the name of revenge for her unborn baby that was presumably killed in her own assassination attempt. Through a series of flamboyant and bloody fight scenes, we watch a mother’s love unfold one day at a time with a special touch that I would never want to come across.
3. Helen Parr aka Elastigirl, Incredibles (2004)
We simply couldn’t leave one of the best characters to come out of the Disney franchise. Like other mamas on this list her instincts are to protect her children. Are those “maternal instincts” all that make her character? Certainly not. Elastigirl is both a superhero, way cooler than her husband, and also a super mom. She’s responsible for raising super children and being a supernormal member of society. She’s like a Renaissance man but with actual superpowers, and is someone we all wish we were cool enough to be.
2. Molly Weasley, Harry Potter Series (1997-2007; 2001-2011)
I mean, there’s really not much you CAN’T say in praise about Molly Weasley, the truest hippie witch of her age. Although she's a mother of seven wizards Molly is so relatable to us Muggles, which is what makes her so lovable. She has a temper and gets angry, but demonstrates care and support for her children -- especially by worrying almost excessively about them throughout the series. One of the best Molly Weasley moments comes in the seventh movie/book, in her showdown with Bellatrix Lestrange (see above). Molly Weasley FOREVEEEER!
1. Nani, Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Rounding out our countdown is Nani, Lilo’s older sister from the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch. Nani wears all of the hats that a mom wears in life; she works to provide for her little sister in the absence of their own parents who have passed away, living by the moral code of Ohana...which means family...and family means... *sobs* nobody gets left behind. She works and lives out of the interest of others, sometimes forgetting to take care of herself. Throughout the movie we learn that motherhood isn’t always glamorous and easy, but it is a special bond that no one else can take away. Nani represents care, and love, and youth, but also serves as a reminder to all moms out there: it’s okay to have a bad day!
All moms are queens and kings. They’re people with hearts big enough for more than just themselves. They’re psychics who know their children inside and out. They’re the worst of enemies because they know all of your soft spots. And they’re the friends who you have forever. They’re mentors and inspirations, trying their best in all things, no matter how big or small.
Give an extra tight hug to your mom today and send them some love, whether they’re near or far. WE LOVE MOMS. Xoxo
happy mother's day to my GOAT!
Comments