Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, a filmmaking pair from Belgium, have consistently created subtle and realistic films over many years, and it’s easy to overlook their consistent quality. They focus on the lives of people society often ignores – those who face daily struggles most of us can’t imagine, but who often bear those burdens quietly. Their films, like Two Days, One Night (featuring a compelling performance by Marion Cotillard), Tori and Lokita, and The Kid with a Bike, aren’t about complicated stories. Instead, they explore the simple act of surviving, something we all do, but which is incredibly difficult for many due to seemingly impossible obstacles. The Dardennes highlight this basic struggle with remarkable focus.
The films of the Dardenne brothers are known for their quiet and consistent style, which means they can sometimes be overlooked. However, Young Mothers is one of their strongest works – a deeply moving story that unfolds subtly and may not fully resonate until long after the credits roll. Set in Liège, Belgium, the film focuses on four young women – all either pregnant or new mothers – living in a shelter. They’re learning to care for their babies before returning to their lives. Ariane, who comes from a poor background, wants to give her daughter Lili up for adoption, but her difficult mother pressures her to keep the child. Perla, a teenage mother, hopes to build a family with her baby’s father, but he’s uninterested in either of them. Julie, a recovering addict, loves her baby and plans to marry her supportive boyfriend, but worries about relapsing. And Jessica, the most fragile of the group, longs to connect with the birth mother who abandoned her, fearing she’s trapped in a pattern that will prevent her from bonding with her own child.
Naïma, one of the young women at the shelter, is an inspiration – she’s preparing to return to school and dreams of becoming a train ticket inspector. We briefly see her mother, now seemingly at peace while holding her grandchild. Young Mothers is a film that feels both simple and incredibly rich in detail. What initially stands out is how humble these women’s ambitions are. Each of them, including Julie who has a supportive partner (played by Jef Jacobs, who has a kind, approachable quality), needs to find work while raising their babies. They strive to do their best, starting with tasks that seem basic but are actually challenging, like properly caring for their newborn’s umbilical cord. This can feel overwhelming, especially considering the external difficulties they face: critical or absent mothers, unreliable partners who may not acknowledge their children, or even dangerous drug dealers trying to maintain control. It’s easy to understand why even something like preparing a bottle of formula can feel like a massive responsibility for these young mothers.
The Dardenne brothers cast young actresses who, while having some acting experience, possess a touching naturalness. Their performances feel honest and raw. What immediately strikes you is how incredibly young these characters seem. Jessica, played by Verbeek, who is searching for her mother, looks particularly young, with a still-youthful face. Laruelle’s character, Perla, is both strong and fragile; she confidently pushes her baby’s stroller, like a dancer, but breaks down when faced with her boyfriend’s harshness. Although Young Mothers is a fictional story, it feels like a documentary, making you realize these women’s emotions and anxieties are likely playing out in your own community, maybe even nearby. In a poignant scene, Ariane, meeting her baby’s prospective adoptive parents, cautiously asks if either of them plays an instrument. She’s visibly comforted to learn the father plays the saxophone, and then earnestly pleads with them to ensure her daughter has music in her life.
It’s remarkable and deeply human: Ariane simply wants the best for her daughter – a loving home, enough food, and opportunities for education. Yet, even as she’s about to give her daughter away to a new family permanently, she still prioritizes the importance of music. This focus on the small, meaningful details of ordinary life, revealing the beauty within, is what the Dardenne brothers do exceptionally well.
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2026-01-10 00:06