Young mothers (Young Mothers; orig. title: Young Mothers) is a 2025 Belgian-French drama film directed by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne from a screenplay by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne. The film premiered in France on 23 May 2025.
The movie "„Young mothers“" continues the two filmmakers' tradition of telling human stories with documentary immediacy and deep emotional sincerity. The production was presented in the main competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Best Screenplay award and the Ecumenical Jury Prize.
The action takes place in a specialized home for young mothers in Belgium, where several teenage girls try to build a better future for themselves and their children. At the center of the story are Jessica, Perla, Julie, Ariane and Naima – five young women whose destinies intertwine at a time when life confronts them with difficult choices and enormous responsibility. Each of the heroines brings her own story, marked by poverty, family conflicts, lack of support or painful life circumstances. What they have in common is the desire to provide a better life for their children and to find their way forward despite the difficulties.
The film does not seek sensational twists or artificial drama. Instead, it follows the heroines' everyday lives with attention to the small details - the conversations, hopes, fears and decisions that gradually shape their destinies. The story unfolds as a series of interconnected human destinies, united by the themes of motherhood, responsibility and the pursuit of a better life.
Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne once again demonstrate why they are among the most respected European directors. Their style remains minimalist and realistic, with the camera often following the characters closely and creating a sense of immediate presence. The directors avoid melodramatic techniques and prefer the natural development of situations. It is this restraint that gives the film a special power. Instead of imposing emotions, they allow the viewer to discover them for themselves in the looks, gestures and silences of the characters. Particularly impressive is the way in which the film combines social realism with hope. Although it deals with heavy topics, the story never loses its faith in the human capacity for change and mutual support.
Lucy Laruell plays the role of Perla, a young woman who strives to find stability and security for herself and her child. Her performance is natural and emotionally affecting.
Babette Verbeek takes on the role of Jessica, a heroine who must deal with numerous personal challenges while trying to be a good mother.
Elsa Huben plays Julie – one of the young women in the home, who is searching for her independence and place in the world.
Janaina Alloa Fokan plays the role of Ariane – a character with a difficult life story, whose inner strength is gradually revealed to the viewer.
Samia Hilmi is Naima, a young mother trying to overcome her past and build a new beginning. The actress brings sincerity and human warmth to the character.
„Young mothers“" is yet another testament to the Dardenne brothers' mastery. Rather than offering easy answers, the film shows life as it is - complex, sometimes painful, but also full of hope. It is a story about youth, motherhood and the desire to break the vicious cycle of hardship and disappointment. With its honesty, realistic characters and emotional depth, "„Young mothers“" ranks among the strongest European films of recent years and reminds us why the Dardenne brothers' cinema continues to excite audiences and critics around the world.
