Belgian auteurs the Dardenne Brothers are now in their seventies. At first glance, two septuagenarian men might seem unlikely voices for a story about impoverished teenage mothers. Yet those familiar with their oeuvre know the siblings have long excelled at portraying women struggling to hold their lives together — from the Palme d’Or–winning Rosetta (1999) to the modern classic Two Days, One Night (2014). With Young Mothers, the Dardennes once again affirm their status as masters of social realism, standing alongside their British counterparts Mike Leigh and Ken Loach.
The film delivers an unflinching yet tender portrait of five teen mothers and mothers-to-be living in a shelter, tracing their experiences over just a few days. Structurally, it unfolds almost like a relay: the narrative baton passes from one young woman to the next through their encounters. This fluid, interconnected design recalls Richard Linklater’s indie landmark Slacker (1990).
Through this ensemble format, the film underscores that no two experiences of motherhood are alike. Some dream of what their child might bring; others face the crushing weight of responsibility they cannot manage. The result is at times a difficult watch — unsentimental, raw, and honest. Yet it is also suffused with warmth and empathy, offering a non-judgemental portrait that proves unexpectedly uplifting despite its heavy subject matter.
Much of this impact comes from the powerhouse young cast, whose rawness and vulnerability imbue the film with near-documentary realism. The loose handheld camerawork and patient long takes only heighten this sense of authenticity. While each story resonates, the most wrenching is that of Ariane, movingly played by Janaïna Halloy Fokan, whose doubts about raising a child spark painful tensions with her own mother, portrayed by Christelle Cornil.
With Young Mothers, the Dardennes once again shine a light on lives too often overlooked. The result is one of their most unusual yet affecting works — a film that testifies to the power of companionship, showing how solidarity among those who share the same struggles can carry people through even the bleakest of moments.
