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The second film of the Galway Film Society’s exciting spring 2026 line-up is the latest film from the critically revered, veteran directing team of Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne.
The brothers, now in their 70s, have spent their entire careers as a directing duo. They have been consistently feted for their films, which feature a sharp focus on social issues, and individuals for whom existence seems to be a constant struggle.
The Dardennes have been mainstays at the Cannes Film Festival for most of their career, winning the Palme D’Or (the main prize ) twice, and multiple other awards. Young Mothers won best screenplay at the latest edition of the festival and after seeing the film, also titled Jeunes mères, I think it certainly worthy of it.
Set in Belgium, The mothers in question all reside at a maternity shelter as they gradually learn their responsibilities as first-time parents. Not simply educational, the shelter acts as a community where young women can bond with each other over their similar journeys, as well as coming to terms with painful pasts and uncertain futures.
For those interested in films that are a realistic window into the challenges that face the modest individual in contemporary times, Young Mothers will certainly prove effective.
Despite tackling the topical subject of Pro-Life v Pro-Choice, there is never any sense of a political stance or propaganda on the part of the directors. They instead are interested in the individuals at the heart of this story, and their desperate situations; observing them, not sensationalising or judging their decisions.
There is an empathy on behalf of the filmmakers for their characters which I appreciated. When questioned at the post-premiere press conference at Cannes last year, they themselves stated that they treated their female characters as individuals, not cases that make up part of a political argument.
Considering the directors’ objective to immerse the audience in a social realism story, scenes are extended with very few cuts. The young female actors give emotionally nuanced performances which maintain the film’s desired authenticity.
This goal is also helped by setting the film in real locations within Liége, Belgium, that have not been noticeably altered for the film. The cityscape sounds meshing with the dialogue, along with the hand-held camerawork shadowing the titular mothers, is effective at keeping the viewer engaged.
It was also recognised at that same press conference in Cannes that the film takes a lighter, hopeful approach to depicting the women’s stories. This is a slight change from the Dardennes’ previous work. The effect may vary by viewer. Personally, I felt the realist style and subject matter deserved a less traditional story structure. It robs the film of some of its real-world relatability.
Following films such as Vermiglio (spring 2025 ) last year, and Souleymane’s Story (winter 2025 ), The Galway Film Society continues to select thought-provoking and diverse international films. There are more to follow in the weeks to come.
Young Mothers is certainly another accomplished entry in the Dardennes brothers’ revered filmography.
4/5 stars
The Galway Film Society will screen Young Mothers in the Galway Arts Centre, (Nun’s Island Theatre ) on February 15 and 16.
