Hot Milk (2025) - Film Review

      Hot Milk, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.

      Starring Emma Mackey, Fiona Shaw, Vicky Krieps, Vincent Perez, Yann Gael, Patsy Ferran, Yorgos Tsiantoulas, Paris Thomopoulos, Korina Gougouli, Denia Mimerini, Dimitris Oikonomidis, and Electra Sarri.

      SYNOPSIS:

      In search of a remedy for a peculiar illness, a mother and daughter journey to the Spanish coast, where the daughter uncovers a different reality, far removed from her controlling mother.

      Sofia (Emma Mackey), intrigued by anthropology, feels trapped, as if confined like her overbearing mother, Rose (Fiona Shaw), who constantly requires assistance. This situation is underscored by elements of fantasy, but it seems Rose’s inability to walk may be psychological. Hot Milk, created by Rebecca Lenkiewicz (adapted from Deborah Levy's novel), candidly addresses Rose’s traumatic past, which has distanced her from her family and resulted in her divorce from Sofia’s Greek father. Over time, Rose’s paralysis has worsened, prompting the pair to seek help from Dr. Gomez (Vincent Perez) in Spain, who aims to help Rose confront her emotional pain and move forward.

      If this were to occur, it would significantly improve Sofia’s life, who is depicted watching a couple on the beach. It appears noteworthy that this brief, dialogue-free scene is also handled by Emma Mackey’s stand-in (as credited). Sofia’s struggles extend beyond romance; she is also unable to complete her anthropology studies while caring for her mother and attending various appointments with her.

      Her yearning for more becomes amplified when she encounters the free-spirited Ingrid (Vicky Krieps), a captivating woman with her own melancholic history. There is an immediate attraction between them, given their mutual beauty, although the film falters in developing them as characters. Instead, it consists of a series of scenes following a clichéd path, resulting in a lack of depth. While attraction is present, the chemistry and intensity are minimal.

      This encapsulates the main issue with Hot Milk: it strives for depth and significance but comes across as empty, as though translating the true essence of these characters from page to screen was an impossible task. Various details about the characters emerge, yet they lack emotional weight and fail to create a more intricate portrayal. Fiona Shaw’s supporting role shines through; she effectively embodies her troubled, controlling character, delivering poignant and challenging emotional moments.

      Including visual cues that imply the caretaker for the disabled is, in some way, disabled themselves raises questions. It emphasizes the point in a slightly offensive manner, regardless of whether Rose is pretending. Sofia feels trapped, unable to live fully, a sentiment that should not be overlooked or dismissed; there are certainly better ways to convey this. However, that may be expecting too much from Hot Milk, which ultimately reveals itself as an uninspired film, concluding with a ridiculous ending that is even more bewildering and tone-deaf.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He is also the Reviews Editor at Flickering Myth. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.