Imagine a world where the victims of the mafia take center stage, standing up against the very organization that has plagued their lives. Step into the captivating realm of The Good Mothers, an Anglo-Italian series that brings a fresh perspective to the age-old tale of organized crime. Based on true events, this riveting show has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, securing a spot as a nominee in the Best Foreign Language TV Series category at the upcoming Critics Choice Awards.
From its gripping premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, where it scooped up the coveted prize for best new series, to its current streaming on Hulu and Disney+ outside the U.S., The Good Mothers has made waves in the realm of television. With a talented ensemble cast, including Gaia Girace, Micaela Ramazzotti, Simona Distefano, and Valentina Bellè, the series delves into the lives of four women born into the powerful Italian Calabrian crime family known as 'ndrangheta. But these women, played by Girace, Ramazzotti, Distefano, and Bellè, decide to forge a different path, bravely collaborating with the law to fight the very mafia they were born into.
An innovative shift in perspective is what sets The Good Mothers apart from traditional mafia stories. It offers the viewpoint of the oppressed, the marginalized, and the silenced. Rather than glorifying violence, the show focuses on the personal journeys of its characters, highlighting the strength and resilience of these women. Directorial duo Julian Jarrold and Elisa Amoruso, known for their work on The Crown and Time Is Up respectively, made a conscious choice to eschew the traditional tropes of mafia narratives. Their vision reflects a desire to bring audiences into the world of these extraordinary women without sensationalizing the violence that surrounds them.
For far too long, female characters in mafia stories have been confined to the background. The Good Mothers shatters these limitations, bringing these women to the forefront and giving them the agency they deserve. Director Elisa Amoruso passionately shares, 'This hasn't just been an important project for me, but also the easiest. I knew exactly how to capture the essence of these women – where to position the camera and how to guide the actresses. The story of oppressed women, crushed by the men in their families who claim to love them, is a universal narrative we have all experienced. From the moment we began filming, we were determined to tell their truth, to portray their reality.'
Set in the heart of Calabria, the birthplace of the 'ndrangheta, The Good Mothers embraces the Italian language and culture, immersing viewers in an authentic and captivating narrative. By departing from the familiar spectacles of shows like Gomorrah, Suburra, and The Sopranos, the series offers a fresh perspective on the mafia genre. The violence is conveyed through the eyes of the children, leaving the brutality off-screen and focusing on the emotional impact it has on those affected.
However, The Good Mothers doesn't just focus on the victims of the 'ndrangheta. It also sheds light on the increasing role that women play within the mafia. No longer confined to the sidelines, daughters of bosses now attend university, become managers, and enter positions of power where decisions are made. Professor Giovanna Truda, a specialist in the sociology of law, remarks, 'Today, women within 'ndrangheta are not only observers; they have become active participants. They have the knowledge and ability to take charge if their male counterparts are apprehended.'
In this first season of The Good Mothers, these resilient women don't seek to dominate the organization, but rather to break the cycle of crime and violence for the sake of their children. Julia Jarrold further explains, 'For the 'ndrangheta, 'good mothers' are the ones who obey, remaining silent and loyal in the shadows. Our series showcases those women who dared to rebel, often driven by their love for their children. Their fight for survival, their struggle to break away from the only life they have known, speaks to the universal injustice experienced by women – the feeling of being overwhelmed, voiceless, and robbed of choice.'
As The Good Mothers eagerly awaits the announcement of the Critics Choice Awards, the series has already left an indelible mark on the television landscape. It serves as a poignant reminder that narratives can be reshaped, giving voice to those who were once silenced. Through its engaging storytelling, powerful performances, and unique perspective, The Good Mothers challenges the norms of the mafia genre and offers viewers a thought-provoking and enlightening experience. Brace yourselves for a gripping journey into the hearts and minds of fearless women who dared to defy the mafia from within.
