Adore (2013) aka Two Mothers aka Adoration (based on the novel The Grandmothers by Doris Lessing) is uncomfortable and unconventional and pretty good.
Let me introduce Lil and Roz:
They are neighbours and since girlhood, have been very close friends. That friendship continues to the present day where they are mothers to adult sons, who likewise, are best friends.What’s the problem you ask? So, uhm, there isn’t really a problem as such…it’s just…well, to many a viewer the situation that unfolds becomes awkward, yet totally absorbing. You see, one simmering summer, emotions can no longer be suppressed and a new set of “friendships” are started (or, rather, brought into the open). Lil‘s (Naomi Watts) son Ian (Xavier Samuel) acts upon his feelings for Roz (Robin Wright) which in turn triggers Tom (James Frecheville) and Lil‘s relationship. Being friends, the women discuss the line they have crossed and agree that they will never repeat what has happened. But, obviously (otherwise there wouldn’t be a story), things are not so clear-cut and simple. How this all unfolds is up to you to find out.
Initially, I felt very uncomfortable watching this movie and kept looking around feeling guilty. At the same time, I was intrigued, finding myself more and more engrossed (and less and less guilty) while starting to feel sympathetic towards the two couples. I could never shake the feeling that it was so wrong yet it got me thinking. Is it really that wrong? The mothers are, after all, friends and not related (as is true of the sons). I think the fact that these are mothers (and best friends) and their respective sons is where the questions are raised. Would it be different if the mothers and sons had not known each other and met in a “more conventional” way? Shouldn’t the mothers be more responsible (granted, Roz does try)? Is it really true love when a man falls for his mother’s friend/his friend’s mother? I’ll leave these up to you to ponder.
While there has been criticism around the acting (or lack of), I quite enjoy the feeling I get of not watching a movie but rather a snippet of people’s lives. The understated performances effectively portray that this is life. As it comes. That they are not putting on a show.
Filmed along the stunning coast of New South Wales, Australia, and directed by Anne Fontaine, it also stars Ben Mendelsohn as Roz‘s husband (as I said, things aren’t so straight forward). Here’s something different. Something definitely not mainstream. It will give you an unconventional love story (or stories) showing the love of friends, the love of parents, the love of lovers, true love, faked love, the works. As tensions rise, relationships are challenged and people are hurt. One thing’s for sure: things can never go back to what they were. You will definitely remember this one.
Thoughts All Sorts 
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I never heard of this film before you chose it for the blogathon and now I’m very interested in seeing it! (I never read the book, though I did read some Doris Lessing in college.) Sounds very challenging and unexpected. I like those kind of movies!
Thanks so much for contributing to the blogathon!
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Ah great! Glad I managed to tempt you. Hope you enjoy it. Thanks for the Blogathon – I always enjoy your topics/themes.
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Excellent post. I don’t think I’ve heard of this movie. I must check it out.
I also invite you to read my contribution to the blogathon
https://crystalkalyana.wordpress.com/2016/11/20/fasten-your-seatbelts-its-bette-davis-in-all-about-eve-1950/
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Thank you so much for the compliment. You’ve made my Monday morning 😉
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You’re welcome. I’ve also announced a new blogathon, and would love to invite you to join in. Here is the link below
https://crystalkalyana.wordpress.com/2016/11/21/announcing-the-carole-lombard-the-profane-angel-blogathon/
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Thanks. I must admit I have no idea who Carol Lombard is (must I hang my head in shame?). Let me have a look – will let you know if I decide to join.
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Of course not. There are a lot of people who don’t know who Carole is. Let me know if you decide on something.
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Will do so. Going to do some looking up now.
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Great. No problems.
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I wasn’t too interested in watching this film (outside of Naomi Watts) but now, after reading your post I’m intrigued!
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Ah…glad I managed to do that. You’ve really got to be in the mood for this one and probably in the right frame of mind. Hope you “enjoy” (not sure enjoy is the right word) it.
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I think it made me so uncomfortable that I actually stopped watching it . . . As I remember starting to watch this one but don’t think I actually made it to the end.
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I nearly stopped the first time round too. I couldn’t even look at the screen properly – felt so guilty.
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I also think it was on Sky extremely late as well! Maybe I should give it another chance.
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Hope you “enjoy” it if you do give it a go. Not sure if “enjoy” is the right word but you know what I mean 😉
It does plod along a little though but there are some interesting developments along the way.
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I completely get it when you say this film makes you feel uncomfortable. There’s something very unusual with that kind of relationships. Roz and Lil aren’t related, true, however, due to their long-time closeness, the boys have been brought up together, meaning Roz knows Lil’s son as a baby, and vice-a-versa. now that’s weird. I did like the film, though. Much like you, it intrigued me. Great choice for a friendship film and a wonderful review indeed!
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Thanks for your kind feedback. And yes, I think you’ve got it spot-on around the mothers knowing the sons since babies. Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend!
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I’m thrilled to see two of my favourite bloggers getting acquainted. Great minds gravitate to each other!
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Thank you soooooo much for that!
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