U.S. Trailer Released for Dardennes’ Cannes Award-Winning Film Young Mothers, Set to Premiere in January

      Returning to the Cannes Film Festival this year, where they were awarded the Best Screenplay prize, Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne’s poignant drama Young Mothers has been chosen as Belgium’s entry for the Oscars. With a release set for January 9 under Music Box Films, the new trailer has now been unveiled.

      Here’s the synopsis: “In a shelter in Liège, Belgium, a group of young women confront the challenges and joys of motherhood. Faced with an uncertain future, these underage mothers strive to escape their past and avoid repeating the cycles of neglect, abuse, and abandonment that have marked their young lives. Jessica, who was raised in foster care, seeks to understand why her biological mother couldn’t keep her. Perla grapples with her boyfriend’s unreliability and faces the possibility of raising her child alone. Julie, who has a more stable partner, cannot envision parenthood until she conquers her drug addiction completely. Meanwhile, Ariane must ensure her baby's safety, acknowledging that her home might not be a secure environment for her daughter. Winner of the Best Screenplay award at Cannes, this latest film from acclaimed directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (Rosetta; Two Days, One Night) is a sensitive and hopeful exploration of women on the verge of new beginnings.”

      Rory O’Connor remarked in his review, “The latest film from Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne is reminiscent of their previous works. The cast consists largely of non-professionals; the settings are authentic; the themes are sociological; and there’s often a tense atmosphere. The focus of their newest film is on unplanned pregnancies and the options available for young French women who feel that their circumstances, whether external or internal, may not be conducive to raising a child. What distinguishes Young Mothers is its treatment of this issue in a country where abortions are accessible, affordable, and relatively socially accepted.”

      Check out the trailer and poster below.