MOTHER, COUCH -- Mommy Issues in a Furniture Store

Review by Jonathan Berk

Writer and director Niclas Larsson's film Mother, Couch is an anxiety-inducing examination of family issues delivered by a stellar cast. Larsson thrusts the audience into the film's surreal world, primarily set in an antiquated furniture store. It's a jarring experience that will make audiences question whether they missed the beginning of the film, but it establishes the tone that will carry through for the entirety. 
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Ewan McGregor is at this furniture store with his estranged brother, played by Rhys Ifans, and their elderly mother, Ellen Burstyn, takes a seat on a couch and refuses to leave. The store is run by Taylor Russell and her father, F. Murray Abraham, and becomes an odd place to hash out the family baggage. The brothers call their sister, Lara Flynn Boyle, to come and help them figure out what to do about their mother. 
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McGregor's character is working through many issues. He performs really well in this chaotic role. He is the anchor for all of the story elements, and each character has some connection to him. The film's ticking clock is McGregor getting to his daughter's birthday party. His wife, played by Lake Bell, is calling and inquiring when he'll arrive, but he can't abandon his mother despite how awful she is towards him.

Burstyn delivers this cruel, biting performance as the family's matriarch. She has to give a big performance while mostly sitting on a couch, which she does expertly. The writing adds to the experience, but the same lines said by someone less capable wouldn't have the punch they do here. Of course, it's also the reactions to the words that help sell the overall idea. 
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Boyle and Ifans get some solid moments as well. The three siblings have an interesting past that's explored throughout the film. However, Russell and Abraham make the most of their screen time. They act as the keepers of the reality the characters find themselves in and offer sagelike advice or throw threatening commentary on the actions of these strangers invading their space. 

The decision to make this story a little more surreal adds to both the tone and the creativity. Several scenes allow for aesthetically interesting visuals. The staging of the furniture store mirrors the rooms of a house, lending to the exploration of our character's past. The metaphors the film is working with allow it to hit its visual stride later on. The third act, in particular, really makes the most of the odd reality the characters find themselves living in and will push the audience's willingness to accept it or storm out angry. 

All of these elements mix reasonably well, but they don't make for an enjoyable experience. It's hard to watch Mother, Couch and not be reminded of Ari Aster's Beau is Afraid — another film that sought to make its audience uncomfortable, but one that executes the approach a little bit better. Still, Niclas Larsson's film is well-made and gets its idea across enough to make it worth watching. ​

Mother, Couch will be in theaters on July 5. 

Rating: 3.5/5