Cast
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Jacki Weaver
as Maybelline Metcalf
Lucy Liu
as Sienna
Adrian Grenier
as Nathan
Mya Taylor
as Cherry
Allister MacDonald
as Joan
Anthony Skordi
as August
Oscar Moreno
as Tequila
Jackie Beat
as Dusty Muffin
Hugh Thompson
as Jeb
Lenore Zann
as Bevette
Eldon Thiele
as Rickey
Kris Cochrane
as Diva
Kirstin Howell
as Erna Lee
Mauralea Austin
as Imogene
Calem MacDonald
as Concierge Brody
Crew
Director
- Thom Fitzgerald
Writer
- Brad Hennig
Producer
- Laurie Lacob
- Doug Pettigrew
- Anne Clements
- J. Todd Harris
- Brad Hennig
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Jacki Weaver is "Maybeline", a pretty conservative Texan woman who discovers that her estranged, gay, son has died of an overdose in San Francisco. Despite the protestations of her husband "Jeb" she heads off to the funeral and begins to discover just how ("Ricky"), long-term boyfriend "Nathan" (Adrian Grenier) and best friend "Sienna" (Lucy Liu) have been living their lives - and of how he and "Nathan" had been running their own drag club. Initially she faces scepticism and hostility from all but "Sienna" - who sees an opportunity for a free babysitter - particularly as it transpires that her son had no will and so everything he had now belongs to her. Her husband just wants to sell it all, but she decides to try and make a go of it; and to make friends with the folks her son loved. It's a kindly, feel-good film with a gentle, if slightly sweet, storyline peppered with some good old drag innuendo and cattiness. The songs are a bit on the cheesy side, but that doesn't really matter. Essentially, this is a film about regret and having the balls to do something about it - part of her determination to make a success of the club and of the acts is driven by guilt, but much of it is also driven by her own pent-up frustrations having been stuck in a banal marriage that had managed to suffocate much of the personality in her that her late son had managed to manifest in his own life. It's not a great film, at times the production borders on the amateur, but Liu and Weaver deliver engaging characters quite well and I rather enjoyed it.
Mar 27, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Stage Mother examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Thom Fitzgerald brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Stage Mother took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 175 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Stage Mother shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Zodiac, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Stage Mother offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Innerspace and The Game explore similar territory, Stage Mother stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 24, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 33m
