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Mrs. Lowry & Son

Play trailer 2:05 Poster for Mrs. Lowry & Son Released Nov 1, 2019 1h 32m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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60% Tomatometer 40 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
British artist L.S. Lowry pursues his creative goals while living with his overbearing, bitter and bedridden mother.
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Mrs. Lowry & Son

Mrs. Lowry & Son

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Critics Consensus

Mrs. Lowry & Son brings a pair of outstanding actors together -- and tests the limits of how much two performances can do to enliven a substandard script.

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Critics Reviews

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Paul Byrnes Sydney Morning Herald Both actors give this bed-bound script their all and their jousting is enjoyable if you like other people's pain. Rated: 3/5 Nov 27, 2019 Full Review Gary Goldstein Los Angeles Times If often sad and unsettling, the film is also livelier and less oppressive than it may sound thanks to the fine writing, deft direction by Adrian Noble, and the superb, if painful interplay between Redgrave and Spall. Nov 1, 2019 Full Review Peter Sobczynski RogerEbert.com A one-note and strangely listless work that brings together two of the most immensely talented actors working today. Rated: 2/4 Nov 1, 2019 Full Review Calum Cooper Source (Scotland) It’s a more subdued work than most biopics, but it’s one that has plenty on its plate for the right audience member. Jul 14, 2024 Full Review Nadine Whitney Mr. Movie's Film Blog The basic problem with the film is that it’s so clearly an adapted stage play. Wastes both Spall and Redgrave’s talents. Sep 17, 2023 Full Review Jane Freebury The Canberra Times (Australia) The issue with Mrs Lowry & Son, directed by Adrian Noble from a screenplay by Martyn Hesford, is that it spends way too much time with Elizabeth. Rated: 2/5 Aug 18, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Paul K One of the best movies I've ever seen. Two of the best actors who have ever lived. And Lowry. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/12/24 Full Review Maeve D Top class performances from two great actors and wonderful depiction of the difficult and stifling reality of Lowrie's life. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/23/23 Full Review isla s This is quite a frustrating watch. It features great key performances from both Timothy Spall and Vanessa Redgrave as Lowry and his mother. Her refusal to appreciate Lowry's painting/artistry is very, as I say, frustrating and I found it easy to feel sorry for the somewhat downtrodden painter. Of course its a film about the social classes, how negatively the lower/working classes are (were?) regarded. If it weren't for the performances and the fact its obviously based on a true story, it would have seemed a bit too dark or bland but I quite enjoyed it because of the engrodding performances and its basis on truth. Its quite thought provoking and I also felt the musical score was well used, neither being too loud, or 'in your face', or too weak either. I would recommend this to fans of Timothy Spall and Vanessa Redgrave. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The acting from Redgrave and Spall was excellent. The entire story of the mother, his art and dedication was fascinating and I liked the end of the movie as well. Currently showing In Madrid, I highly recommend this moving movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member A tenderly observed biopic about what, if this is to be believed, was a very difficult relationship between the great English 20th century artist LS Lowry and his domineering mother. Lowry painted scenes of everyday drudgery in his native Salford and became one of Englands most loved artists but his domineering, snobbish mother never appreciated his work or gave him the praise he was so desperate to hear. This was made doubly hard by the fact that in her later life, the period depicted in the movie, she was almost completely bedridden and relied on her son as her carer. Lowry was dutiful and compassionate in his care but there was a bristling rage at the injustice he felt that lurked just below the surface. The story is pretty much a two-hander with Timothy Spall and Vanessa Redgrave taking the leads and they show what genuinely fine actors they both are. Spall also bears an uncanny resemblance to Lowry himself. Spall portrays the weight of Lowry's disappointment and buttoned-up anger with genuine care and skill while Redgrave's portrayal of a difficult woman has enough insight that we actually have sympathy for what she has become. There's much to enjoy here and if you don't know Lowry's work, this film serves as an ideal introduction to the man as it is understated and unsentimental. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member A frankly boring and tedious film borne from a lazy script and acting. Whether based on fact or not, the film went nowhere aside from the final summary of Lowry success. Insidious characters and an annoying repetitive dialogue. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Mrs. Lowry & Son

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis British artist L.S. Lowry pursues his creative goals while living with his overbearing, bitter and bedridden mother.
Director
Adrian Noble
Screenwriter
Martyn Hesford
Distributor
Cleopatra Entertainment
Production Co
Genesis Studios, Library Films
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
British English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 1, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 7, 2020
Runtime
1h 32m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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