Motherhood isn’t always a smooth Ride such is Otherhood

by Kathia Woods

There are books on pregnancy, potty training, teenage years, but nothing prepares you for when your child grows up and gets his own life. In theory, one knows that your children are only with you temporarily, but it doesn’t mean that the transition is smooth. However, one still expects that weekly call and a gift for Mother’s Day. Gillian, Carol, and Helen are three best friends who raised three amazing sons. All adults with their own lives imagine their disgust upon Mother’s Day not receiving a gift, nor call. That’s the adventure called Otherhood.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Director/Writer Cindy Chupack and Actor Jake Hoffman to discuss all things Otherhood. Chupack herself, a wife and mother understood these women’s lives. She too had to reboot at one point in her life and learned that reinvention is part of one’s growth.

She was also happy to learn that Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette, and Felicity Huffman would be her leading ladies. Chupack dubbed the trio Head, Heart, and Soul.

Each woman in her own right is a force to be reckoned with however together their virtually unstoppable. Basset who’s mostly known for her dramatic roles, was a little nervous about doing comedy Chupack explained. She was fun and energetic as a stay at home widower Carol Walker. Naturally, that would make her the Soul. Arquette seemed like a natural fit as the meddling Gillian Lieberman. Boundaries are meant to be crossed, especially when you come from a place of love, hence that would make Gillian the heart. Felicity Huffman is the high maintenance Helen Halston. She is fashionable, career-minded and on marriage number two. Gillian’s also upset that her son feels more comfortable confiding in his father her ex-husband . After all, she’s metropolitan while he’s ordinary. Although Chupack considers Helen the head, her resentment of her ex-husband creates many faux pas amongst the besties. Having, sorted out her leading ladies who would be lucky enough to portray the sons.

Actor Jake Hoffman is Daniel Lieberman. He discussed how, unlike Daniel, he’s proud to call himself a mama’s boy. Lieberman and his mother speak quite often. He enjoyed playing the emotional guarded Daniel. Daniel is the son that must tackle the most demons out of the three boys. Hence you find yourself cheering for him a little more than the other two. Sinqua Walls had the honor of being Matt Walker. Walls is fresh of his turn as Sean on Power. Chupack explained how shooting with him in New York was quite an adventure. Women would enthusiastically shout out their adornments during filming. I also discussed with Chupack how she handled Jake Lacy’s portrayal as Paul Halston. He’s gay however he never officially came out to Helen. She explained how this new generation doesn’t necessarily always feels the need to come out. They live their lives however if asked stand firm in their truth.

Otherhood is a fun adventure. It’s not just a movie about women regaining their dreams. It also shows the struggle many young adults face in finding their own voice. Oddly enough the two parties have similar struggles and those struggles is what makes this movie so entertaining.

Moms will relate, and sons hopefully will get the hint that once you become an adult, you still must call mom, especially on Mother’s Day. Chupack may be a first-time director, but she captured these women beautifully. After all, moms are nurturers, and it’s not always easy going from taking care of our children to prioritizing ourselves. So grab some friends, wine and make sure to stream Otherhood on Netflix on August the 2nd. I promise you it will make you appreciate your mom a little bit more.