In the past few years, few films have been as controversial as writer/director Darren Aronofsky’s mother! So, this week, Jefferson Grubbs of the recently launched Oscar site Thin Gold Line joins us for a deep dive into the divisive psychological horror film.

Love it or hate it, mother! — which stars Oscar winners Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem — is a rich cinematic experience loaded with possible interpretations. We’ll get into how the film functions as both a Biblical allegory as well as a commentary on the creative process (and Aronofsky himself). Jefferson also shares his take on this year’s Oscar telecast and his extremely early prediction on whether Jordan Peele’s Us has the chance to break into next year’s Oscar season.

The time has come for the mother! of all our episodes to date. So strap in for a lively conversation on the most polarizing film we’ve covered to date. Just be sure not to lean on that sink; it’s not braced yet.

mother! synopsis, courtesy of Paramount Pictures:

A couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. From filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream), mother! stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer in this riveting psychological thriller about love, devotion and sacrifice.

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