Regretting Motherhood (2024)
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“Perhaps I should have never become a mother.”
What if you love your children, but struggle with being a mother? Milou Gevers’ eye-opening documentary Regretting Motherhood delves into this unspoken dilemma, uncovering the untold stories of mothers that have regrets. Gevers spoke with dozens of mothers and found three courageous women to share their deeply personal struggles with motherhood – the shame and guilt they feel, and the pressing weight of societal expectations.
Inspired by the book Regretting Motherhood by sociologist Orna Donath, Gevers – who is more than happy to be a mom – shows that more women than we think aren’t necessarily happy mothers. But that doesn’t mean they’re bad mothers. This nuanced perspective shapes the heart of the film, offering a rare and empathetic glimpse into a reality that many women silently face. Known for her acclaimed short Why Didn’t You Stay For Me? (2020), Milou Gevers once again displays her sensitivity as a filmmaker. She decided very early on to protect her subjects by replacing them by puppets, voiced by the women themselves. She carefully blends these puppet interviews with striking metaphorical animations that show how torn these mothers feel. Gever’s taboo-breaking hybrid documentary raises pressing socio-political questions. Questions that have long been hidden in the shadows.