Motherland is a science fiction thriller movie set for release in 2025. The story happens in an alternate present society. In this world, the state takes care of children to free parents from raising them. A rule enforcer learns a shocking truth that makes her rebel against the system. The film runs for 1 hour and 34 minutes. It will be released in English. Vertical Entertainment has acquired the North American rights. The plan is to release it in select theaters and on video on demand platforms on September 12, 2025. A DVD and Blu-ray release is expected around November 2025.
Who Is in the Cast and Crew
The movie stars Miriam Silverman from “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” She plays the rule enforcer who starts the rebellion. Holland Taylor, known for “The Morning Show,” is also in the cast. Nestor Carbonell from “Shลgun” and “Pulse” has a role. Emily Arancio makes her feature film debut in this movie. Evan Matthews directed the film. Nicole Roewe wrote the screenplay. The production companies involved include MPI Original Films. Producers are Summer Crockett Moore, Tony Glazer, Lana Link, and Rob Pfaltzgraff.
What the Story Is About
The plot centers on a society where the government raises children. This system is meant to remove the burden from parents. The main character works as a rule enforcer for this system. She discovers a hidden truth about how the state operates. This discovery makes her question everything and start a rebellion. The story explores themes of control, family bonds, and courage. It is a dystopian thriller that makes people think about parental rights and government power.
Early Fan Reviews and Reactions
The movie has been shown at several film festivals. These include the Omaha Film Festival, Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, and RiverRun International Film Festival. Audience reactions have been mixed but mostly positive. Some viewers praise the film’s direction, score, and cinematography. The work of director Evan Matthews and cinematographer Ksusha Genenfeld received compliments. Emily Arancio’s performance in her first feature film was called exceptional. One viewer said:
“Watched at Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, and WOW what an incredible film. The cinematography by Ksusha Genenfeld is terrific and it featured an incredible location as the futuristic alternate universe women’s center. Exceptional performances from familiar faces and newcomers, especially from Emily Arancio in her feature debut! Truly a star in the making!”
However, some people found the movie’s politics confusing. One reviewer mentioned it might be seen as a “right wing Handmaid’s Tale.” Another viewer felt the film did not send a clear message. They said it mixed feminist and anti-feminist ideas without a strong point. Despite this, many found the story heart-breaking and hopeful. One fan stated:
“Woah. This is the best, most captivating dystopian film I have ever watched. Perfect ending if this was a contained story, but also could continue. I felt so heartbroken and hopeful and just felt so many feelings loved this.”
Production and Release Timeline
Filming for Motherland was completed in August 2025. The movie will have a limited theatrical release. This means it will play only in select theaters in major markets. People can check Fandango and Atom Tickets to see if it is playing near them. On the same day, September 12, 2025, 21 other movies are also set to release. These include “The Long Walk,” “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” and “Toy Story – 30th Anniversary.” The digital and physical home release will follow later.
How It Compares to Other Motherland Projects
It is important not to confuse this movie with other projects with the same name. There is a British TV sitcom called “Motherland.” It is a comedy about middle-class motherhood. There is also an Israeli TV series called “Motherland.” It is a historical drama about a detective in the 1990s investigating a murder. This 2025 movie is a standalone sci-fi thriller with no relation to those shows.
Why This Movie Matters
Motherland touches on important social themes. It makes audiences think about the role of government in family life. It questions how much control the state should have over children. The movie also shows the strength of a mother’s love and the courage to fight for truth. Early reviews suggest it will spark conversations and different interpretations. The director aimed to create a film that challenges viewers without giving easy answers.
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