Nuno Rocha, 2016 | 88mins
Heartfelt nostalgia and time travel collide enjoyably in Nuno Rocha’s bittersweet gem, Mother Knows Best. The film revolves around Ana Luisa, a demanding housewife who is dissatisfied with her place in the world. During her father’s 75th birthday party, her extended family all begin to reminisce about Josefa, Ana Luisa’s late mother. Through these stories, Ana Luisa begins to ponder on her own past and the repercussions of her life choices. Suddenly, a strange, wondrous, supernatural event enables certain individuals, including Ana Luisa, to have access to alternate timelines. Presented with this incredible, magical chance, Ana Luisa decides to boldly explore just what her life might have been if she had lived it differently. With its unique premise and amusing dialogue, Mother Knows Best is an entertaining ride, and it won two prizes at the Portuguese Film Academy’s 2017 Sophia Awards.
Presented with English subtitles.