Difficult film which does hold the attention despite not helping the viewer that much (SPOILERS)

Rating: Null/10 (24 March 2018)

Mark Kermode liked but warned over this film, that the viewer should not step away too long because the film can easily change and it will be almost impossible to explain why the shift occurred in their absence. To be fair, it is sometimes hard to explain even when you stay with it. By the end, it is very clear, tidy, and quite satisfying - but you really have to stick with it.
This is the problem of the film; too much of its time seems to be spent not involving the viewer in the game being played. At first it starts out as a sort of home-invasion film, where a man arrives into the otherwise peaceful lives of a couple, and soon the events around this man and his family start to get out of control. The success as a writer of the man of the couple leads to more people coming, further stressing the woman. It is not too long before bloody wounds are opening up in floors, full riots are occurring in the front room, and the end of society appears to be occurring as a result of a simple promotional event for a book. It is quite a ride as a film but, while it ends up being quite cleverly done and clear, it doesn't help you as you watch it. However, on the flip side of that, if you go in knowing it is all a biblical allegory which plays the creation story out to its complete end, then probably it would be too obvious in too many moments. It is a difficult balancing act and the film doesn't pull it off.
As a result it is bewildering, likely to have people give up, and certainly put off the people who would otherwise have flooded to watch the same story played out in a more 'normal' fashion. As I understood what I was watching (late in the final acts) I did appreciate it more for doing something different with something so fundamental, even if it left me on the outside for the majority. While on the outside, the quality of the delivery and the intrigue of what is going on was still enough to keep me watching, but I understand that for others it won't.
The performances are strong and all involved deserve credit for doing something so unusual in a 'mainstream' film. Lawrence is great throughout, and has plenty of strong support from Harris, and Pfeiffer, as well as many other familiar faces. The film is all Aronofsky though; his vision and creativity of delivery. While it is difficult it is hard not to be impressed by the scale of what he does in such a small place, and how well he makes it work - for all its faults, you can't claim that Mother! isn't trying. I doubt I'll watch it again, but as I watching it was mysterious and weird for just a bit too long before it then rode its luck on being bewilderingly bananas before then delivering an explanation which is obvious in retrospect, but still provides a satisfying way to close out the film.