My Mother’s Wedding is a new film premiering in theaters August 8th. Directed by Kristen Scott Thomas and co-written by Thomas & John Micklethwait, the film stars Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller, Emily Beecham, Freida Pinto, Thibault de Montalembert, and Kristin Scott Thomas. Three sisters return to their childhood home for the third wedding of their mother, navigating family drama with help from a colorful group of unexpected wedding guests.

The film initially premiered in 2023 at the Toronto International Film Festival. It’s interesting that films are making their wide release two years after their premiere at a festival. It’s been more common as of lately and I am not sure why. It even makes me question if movies like this is a 2023 or 2025 movie (I’m still going to say this is a 2025 movie). Seeing Scarlett Johansson in a smaller film with an accent was more than enough to pique my interest. She’s smart with what projects she chooses. Her smaller & more dramatic movies have always been her best work. I think if you’re here for the performances, you’ll find something noteworthy; otherwise, it might not leave much of an impression.

Kristen Scott Thomas made this film based on her own story. Honestly, I don’t know the full extent of what exactly is real considering the different characters we follow. Nonetheless, Thomas assembles a talented cast to help bring that story to life told from different perspectives. In a sense you can tell how catharatic it was for her to tell the story.

At the same time, this might be the most alienating aspect of the story. All the daughters have it pretty good for the most part. At least if one of them falls down, they are still there for each other. The film tackles themes of acceptance, but doesn’t quite lean into it as much as it could to help others connect with it more.

While the performances are all great and all have great chemistry with one another, the lack of character development can make it harder to connect with the characters. If you like the actresses, then there is something to like, but it doesn’t ever scratch beneath the surface other than them having daddy issues. To be fair, I get it as there are trying to accept a new father in their lives. Again, that doesn’t quite connect with others as much as it could.

I do like how the film throws you right into the story, even if it comes at the cost of some cheesy exposition. There’s one particular scene involving a night show that I truly had a tough time believing. It was weird. The way the film plays out certainly has its charm. At the same time, it does have this Hallmark quality to it where everything works out perfectly fine and doesn’t go as deep as it could. It honestly plays it very safe.

From a technical perspective, the film does look great. The cinematography invites into each scene while the production & costume design add value to the story and its characters. Each scene invites you into the story with authenticity from the wedding to the beautiful location shots. The music can be a bit too cheesy and doesn’t quite fit the tone, but if you look past it, you can see where Thomas is going for something easy to watch.

I do have conflicting feelings about the ending. Everything does wrap up a nice bow. The conflicts these characters go through are easily resolved. It doesn’t quite show the importance of the daughter’s relationship. The film could have ended on a note involving these three. Instead, it goes in a different direction that made me question if Thomas had different intentions with the film’s true meaning. It’s not a bad ending. It just doesn’t leave much with an impression.

Overall, My Mother’s Wedding works with talent’s chemistry and overall look & design. I am not sure what Kristen Scott Thomas’ future looks like as a director as this felt like something she needed to do to get something out that she’s been keeping inside. The story might leave viewers wanting more. If you have nothing else to watch, it’s good for a one-time watch.

VERDICT: 3/5 (Good)