I Killed My Mother

The film opens with Hubert Minel delivering a poignant black-and-white monologue, highlighting the complex bond he shares with his mother. He expresses his deep love for her while simultaneously revealing a painful truth: he cannot stand being her son. Reflecting on his youth, he recalls a time when their relationship felt less strained.

At just 16 years old, Hubert is a Québécois navigating life in suburban Montreal alongside his single mother, Chantale. Their family dynamics have been disrupted since her divorce from Richard, Hubert’s father, which has resulted in infrequent visits and increasing tension between them. The film takes a dramatic turn when a car ride to school erupts into an argument over Chantale’s habit of applying makeup while driving. This conflict culminates when she defiantly instructs Hubert to get out and walk to school. In a moment of rebellion, Hubert tells his teacher, Ms. Cloutier, that his mother has died. When this fabrication is uncovered, Ms. Cloutier chillingly repeats, > “you killed your mother,” planting the seed for Hubert’s provocative school essay titled “I Killed My Mother.”

As the narrative unfolds, Hubert articulates his desire for independence by confiding to his mother that he wishes to live on his own. Although initially receptive, Chantale quickly retracts her approval, declaring him too young for such a leap. Meanwhile, tensions escalate as Hubert’s secret relationship with his boyfriend, Antonin, comes to light—not through Hubert, but via Antonin’s mother, who mistakenly assumes Chantale knew. Despite moments of acceptance, Chantale’s hurt is palpable, highlighting the strains in their mother-son relationship.

As discord deepens, Hubert finds solace with Ms. Cloutier, lying to his mother about staying with his boyfriend. The narrative thickens when Hubert’s father summons him for a visit, only to inform him of an unexpected decision to send him to a boarding school in Coaticook. This news leaves Hubert furious, lamenting the fact that he rarely sees his father, particularly feeling robbed of agency in his own life.

While at the Catholic boarding school, Hubert meets Eric and finds himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, ultimately betraying Antonin. After a night out at a nightclub—filled with kissing and experimentation with drugs—Hubert returns home, initiating an emotional confrontation with his mother. Their bond seems to sway when Chantale drives Hubert to assist Antonin’s mother with a painting project. In a moment of intimacy, Hubert and Antonin share their bodies and secrets, leaving Hubert betrayed once again when he discovers Chantale has decided to keep him at boarding school for another year. Overwhelmed, he turns to frustration, trashing Chantale’s room before restoring order.

The turmoil continues as Hubert faces bullying at school, leading to his decision to run away. His note leaves Chantale distressed, stating he will be “In his kingdom,” a place which she comprehends as their former family home. In a heated exchange, the principal admonishes her, prompting her to confront him about the struggles of single motherhood. With Antonin’s support, Hubert escapes on an emotional journey that underscores the complexity of their relationship. A confrontation ensues when Chantale ultimately finds them at the beach. The film poignantly concludes with a nostalgic home video of Hubert as a child, showcasing a simpler time with his mother before the shadows of their current reality set in.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:33