I walked into the theatre to watch ‘Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother‘ based on nothing more than a movie poster and a love for Mahershala Ali. I walked out thinking I might have stumbled onto my favorite film of 2026.
‘Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother‘ is a movie that defies genre and, like the title, is equal parts unusual, mysterious, and compelling. Set in Houston, Texas, of all places, the film revolves around a devoutly Islamic hit man who fights to conquer work, faith, and fatherhood after the death of his wife. The film is exceptionally atmospheric, the story is so well-written, and the cinematography will take your breath away. If you need analogies, I’d say the film is like if the Safdie brothers made Taken, but with much less action and a lot more introspection.
Indeed, the films sparing yet intentional use of violence is one of it’s strengths. If you wanted an action film, this is not it. Nonetheless, the scenes where Mahershala’s character kicks ass are very satisfying and mostly well done. Director Bassam Tariq uses this violence selectively, and I am still stunned by his bravery in depicting that polarizing word— jihad— so symbolically and literally in his art.
And art is exactly what this film is. My knowledge of Islam and familiarity with Middle Eastern culture is sparse, yet the beauties of the colors, textures, and music (oh my god the music) is unmistakable. The fact that the backdrop is Houston, Texas makes for a creative juxtaposition, enabling the story to talk about faith, fatherhood, masculinity, morals, forgiveness, and America all at the same time. In fact, it’s been a long time since I’ve watched a movie that seems to be speaking to so many thing simultaneously while still remaining legible.
All the actors do phenomenal, Mahershala Ali especially. The actress who plays his character’s daughter, Adia (someone unknown to me), also deserves her flowers. I haven’t seen John Cho since Star Trek, but he was able to tap into a very real kind of religious-political psychopathy for this role. Despite grief being so prevalent a theme in the film, all of the actors find a way to crack some good jokes and sprinkle in some humor.
All in all, the film was an incredible watch and the ending had me in tears. It really nails the landing and really earns it’s title, which I won’t spoil. I will say this— as the credits rolled, the entire audience in my theatre began to applaud.
Deep, philosophical, and bloody— please don’t sleep on ‘Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother.’ I highly recommend.
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About the Author:
Bradley Andrews is a hopeful rabble-rouser on a mission to inspire the world. Stay in touch with what he’s doing by subscribing to a weekly digest of his activity through micro.blog. This will send you writing, photos, and other curiosities that you are guaranteed to love.
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