On Netflix: delicious comedy with Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell will make you want to stay at home

The overload of maternal and domestic routine has always been normalized, but in recent years it has become the subject of films, series, books, discussions on the internet and even the topic of Enem essays. And it’s good that now there is a stage for discussion. Because in addition to influencing women’s mental health, female domestic work is also important for the economy of their countries. As much as it is a comedy, “Perfeita é a Mãe 2” tries to develop the subject a little with the public. The dialogue that struck me most in this film is when Amy, played by Mila Kunis, tells her mother that she just wants to enjoy Christmas. Her mother, Ruth (Christine Baranski), responds that she is a mother. It’s not up to her to enjoy Christmas, but to work to make Christmas for her husband and children perfect. It’s not just about Christmas, is it? But life itself. Everyone rests and enjoys, while the mother works to provide well-being for the whole family. If you still can’t see how unequal and unfair this is, you need to study some more.

Housework has many problems. It is not recognized, is not paid and does not include vacation or rest. The woman works at night and on holidays and weekends. The physical and mental exhaustion of mothers and wives (even those who do not have children) causes many problems for their physical, emotional health and self-esteem. In “Perfect Mother 2”, the trio of friends Amy (Kunis), Kiki (Kristen Bell) and Carla (Kathryn Hahn) are surprised by the visit of their mothers during the end of the year festivities. And there is a generational conflict between each mother-daughter pair. Amy’s mother, Ruth, has a more traditional style. She truly believes in the role of women as caregivers and problem solvers. She is the mother who must provide comfort and happiness for everyone and, when someone feels frustrated, the problem lies in the maternal work, which was not enough.

Sandy (Cheryl Hines), Kiki’s mother, suffers from empty nest syndrome. Widowed and lonely, she pursues her daughter, wishing at all times to be close and involved in family activities. However, her neediness goes beyond the limits, even invading Kiki’s privacy with her husband. Isis (Susan Sarandon) is Carla’s mother. She’s not traditional at all. A free and detached spirit, Isis listens to rock, travels constantly, uses drugs and is addicted to gambling. Irresponsible and reckless, she only visits Carla when she needs favors. Her arrival promises to disrupt her daughter’s routine, who begins to question true motherhood. While Carla admires her mother and wants to impress her, she also realizes that Isis lacks a certain amount of care and emotional support.

Suffering pressure from their mothers, Amy, Kiki and Carla decide to put an end to their meddling in their lives so that they can finally enjoy Christmas without a lot of work and stress. But the decision will force them to confront their mothers and fight for their feelings to be validated and recognized. A Christmas comedy full of reflection, “Mother Perfect 2” will guarantee your enjoyment on a boring afternoon.

Film: Perfect is Mother 2
Direction: Jon Lucas and Scott Moore
Year: 2017
Gender: Comedy
note: 8/10