Mother-To-Be

In this landmark film of Quebec cinema, Anne Claire Poirier explores with rare sensitivity and insight the bonds that unite women across generations. The story begins with a letter she addresses to her daughter—a deeply intimate introduction that sets the tone for a lucid reflection on maternal legacy. Blending archival footage, staged scenes, and personal testimonies, Poirier questions the roles imposed on women, particularly that of motherhood, experienced both as an act of love and a social constraint. This introspective journey unfolds into a powerful meditation on desire, unspoken truths, and the constant tension between collective expectations and the yearning for freedom. The editing—both sharp and delicate—amplifies the emotional and political impact of the film. Mother-To-Be goes beyond a simple generational portrait: it is a courageous work, an act of love, but also of rupture, that continues to resonate with striking force today.

Julia Minne
PhD student and programmer