Mother’s Child

Loving mother and full-time carer, every day is a battle for Mary. Wading through the bureaucratic mess that comes with caregiving has her isolated, unsupported and sleep deprived. Simultaneously, she struggles to fully understand her disabled, non-verbal son Murphy’s needs. After being dealt another blow by an obtuse administrator, reality begins to blur. Finding the beauty in the everyday has never been more challenging. A surreal animation to pay tribute to society’s true heroes, giving a voice to those who dedicate their lives to others.

Naomi Noir is a Dutch writer, director, and animator. Her often absurdist works mesh witty linguistics with raw linework to give a surrealist snapshot of the inner worlds of her unique characters. Her art imitates life. Her films draw inspiration from pub tales, reality television, and the painful topics most of us avoid. Noir’s latest award-winning work, Mother’s Child (2024), lays bare the everyday intricacies of having an adult child with special needs.