Review: ‘You Are Not My Mother,’ starring Hazel Doupe, Carolyn Bracken, Ingrid Craigie and Paul Reid

April 25, 2022

by Carla Hay

Carolyn Bracken in “You Are Not My Mother” (Photo by Cait Fahey/Magnet Releasing)

“You Are Not My Mother”

Directed by Kate Dolan

Culture Representation: Taking place in North Dublin, the horror film “You Are Not My Mother” features a nearly all-white cast of characters (with a few black people) representing the working-class and middle-class.

Culture Clash: After a single mother mysteriously vanishes for a few days, she comes back to her home and seems to be a strange and different person, and her teenage daughter begins to wonder if this mother is possessed by something evil. 

Culture Audience: “You Are Not My Mother” will appeal primarily to people who are interested in predictable but effective horror movies about the supernatural.

Hazel Doupe and Ingrid Craigie in “You Are Not My Mother” (Photo by Cait Fahey/Magnet Releasing)

“You Are Not My Mother” has a mystery that’s very easy to solve, but this well-acted horror movie adeptly maintains suspense in a story influenced by Irish folklore. It’s a solid feature-film directorial debut from Kate Dolan, who also wrote “You Are Not My Mother.” The movie should satisfy people who like supernatural thrillers that can be frightful but don’t wallow in a lot of bloody gore. “You Are Not My Mother” had its world premiere at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival.

In “You Are Not My Mother” (which takes place in North Dublin), teenager Char Delaney (played by Hazel Doupe) is an introverted loner who attends an all-girls Catholic school. Char is about 15 or 16 years old. Char lives with her single mother Angela Delaney (played by Carolyn Bracken), Angela’s brother Aaron (played by Paul Reid), and Char’s grandmother Rita (played by Ingrid Craigie), who is the mother of Angela and Aaron. Char’s biological father is not seen or mentioned in the move.

“You Are Not My Mother” opens with a scene in the woods, where a baby (played by Dante Woods) is being taken by Rita, who lights a circular fire around the baby. The baby then apparently burns to death. Why would Rita do such a horrible thing? By opening the movie with this scene, writer/director Dolan foreshadows too much of the movie too early. Within the first 10 minutes of the film, it’s obvious that Char’s family has secrets that will eventually be revealed.

Angela has had a long history of depression. In the beginning of the movie, her depression is so debilitating, she is frequently bedridden. One day, Char asks her grandmother Rita for money to take a bus back home from school. Rita says in response: “Why don’t you ask your mother? I’ll get her out of bed.”

Angela manages to get out of bed, and she gives Char a ride to school. However, Angela seems so distracted, Angela almost hits a horse on the road with her car. Meanwhile, Char says, “Mum, we need food in the house. Mum, what’s wrong with you?”

Angela, who seems exhausted and sad, replies: “I’m sorry. I don’t think I can do this anymore.” When Char comes home from school, her mother isn’t there. Later, Char finds her mother’s car abandoned in a field, with a bag of groceries left on the front passenger seat. Angela is nowhere in sight.

Angela’s concerned family eventually contacts the local police to report her missing. Aaron is very concerned that Angela could’ve been kidnapped. A policewoman named Officer Jenny (played Aoife Spratt) has come to the home to take the missing person report. Aaron gets impatient and angry when it’s suggested that, because of Angela’s history of depression, she might have left to go somewhere on her own for a while. Later, Char has a nightmare about finding her mother dead.

When Char’s mother goes missing, it’s just another stress in Char’s life. At school, she is bullied by a group of “mean girls,” led by a snooty brat named Suzanne O’Connell (played by Jordanne Jones), who has her own mother issues that are later revealed in the story. Two of the other girls in this “mean girls” clique are named Kelly (played by Katie White) and Amanda (played by Florence Adebambo), and they later participate with Suzanne in a very cruel prank on Char.

In one of the movie’s classroom scenes, Char is first seen having to interact with Suzanne, who reacts with annoyance when art teacher Ms. Devlin (played Jade Jordan) tells Suzanne to sit next to Char. When the teacher isn’t looking, Suzanne takes some gum out of her mouth and smears the gum on Char’s notes. Char is considered an outcast at this school because she comes from a working-class family who is considered a little strange.

Later in the art class, Char shows Ms. Devlin a drawing that Char made of shadows engulfed in flames. Char tells the teacher that she made the illustration from a dream that she had. It’s a very cliché and obvious clue in the movie.

Another clue is when after Angela goes missing, Rita gives Char a small ball of twigs and leaves, while saying, “I made this for you—for protection.” Why does Char need to be protected? Could it have anything to do with that apparent birthmark on her face?

At any rate, Angela eventually returns to the home after a few days, with no explanation of where she went and why. However, Char and the other family members notice that Angela is not the same person she was before Angela disappeared. This new Angela is more energetic and in better spirits. She even starts doing things like cheerfully making dinner. It’s close to Halloween, so the meal includes pumpkin.

But this new Angela now has a loss of appetite. And this mother, who was once so listless that she could barely get out of bed, is now enthusiastically talking about taking a mother-daughter trip with Char. It’s an idea that Aaron vehemently opposes.

“You Are Not My Mother” is much more of a psychological horror film than a movie that relies on a lot of action-packed jump scares. There are some moments that are meant to induce terror, but a lot of the horror is about what can’t be seen rather than the story being about a killer on the loose. This movie could’ve benefited from more character development, but “You Are Not My Mother” also doesn’t clutter the movie with a lot of unnecessary scenes.

All of the cast members give reasonably authentic performances, but the horror merits of “You Are Not My Mother” are mostly in Bracken’s eerie transformation as Angela. Without this unsettling performance, “You Are Not My Mother” would just be an average or laughable horror movie if mishandled by someone who was miscast in the Angela role. (Fun fact: Writer/director Dolan appears briefly in the movie in the role of a pharmacist.) “You Are Not My Mother” is not a going to be considered a classic horror movie, but it delivers plenty of intrigue for horror fans who are looking for a thriller that explores issues of generational trauma and family burdens.

Magnet Releasing released “You Are Not My Mother” in select U.S. cinemas, on digital and VOD on March 25, 2022.

Hard Rock International will open hotel in Dublin in 2020

July 17, 2018

Hard Rock

The following is a press release from Hard Rock International:

With a presence in more than 70 countries across the globe, Hard Rock International is expanding its hotel portfolio to Ireland, announcing plans to open Hard Rock Hotel Dublin in 2020. Working in collaboration with Tifco Limited, one of Ireland’s largest hotel companies, the highly-anticipated opening of Hard Rock’s first hotel in Ireland will shine a light on the musical vibrancy of the destination, past and present.

Located in Dublin’s city centre on Lord Edward Street, Hard Rock Hotel Dublin will comprise two structures; an existing listed property, built at the turn of the 20th century originally known as the Exchange Buildings and currently the site of the Parliament Hotel, and the adjacent Fashion House Building.

The Fashion House will be entirely rebuilt and transformed into the new hotel entrance and reception. Bringing a contemporary feel to the property, a new glass link bridge will connect guests to the refurbished Parliament building. While retaining and restoring the original red brick façade of 1912, the interiors of the Parliament building will be completely reimagined, creating a unique music-inspired city escape with priceless memorabilia adorning the interior of the property.

The hotel will feature 120 guest bedrooms and suites furnished to an exceptionally high standard using warm fumed woods, fresh stone surfaces, bespoke Ulster carpets and sumptuous patterned and vibrant fabrics. Hard Rock Hotel Dublin will also have an exciting all-day dining restaurant showcasing freshest Irish ingredients. There will also be a casual bar serving food accompanied by well-crafted cocktails and 24-hour in-room dining.

From the main reception and lobby, to the boldly unique restaurant and bar space, Hard Rock Hotel Dublin will bring a polished, vivid and fresh, new design experience to Dublin city centre. Communal areas will feature intimate booth seating and eclectic fittings and furnishings, while the variety of bedrooms will be furnished in visually appealing jewel tones and lush textures.

In true Hard Rock style, the hotel will entice guests with an array of signature brand offerings, including The Sound of Your Stay® music program, allowing guests to set the mood with complimentary vinyl players and records or rock out on a Fender guitar during an in-room jam session, complete with an amp and head phones. The property will also be home to the newly launched wellness program Rock Om®, an in-room yoga experience providing a fresh take on a timeless tradition by fusing together the ancient serenity of yoga with the beat of music.

Commenting on the project, Todd Hricko, SVP & Head of Global Hotel Development for Hard Rock International, said, “Ireland has always been a place close to our hearts, and it only seems right to open a Hard Rock Hotel in Dublin, given the city’s musical roots. This is an exciting opportunity to extend our presence in Europe and elevate the one-of-a-kind offering at Hard Rock Hotels to the next level.”

Renowned for its famous pubs and restaurants, Hard Rock Hotel Dublin will be positioned within the commercial centre of the city, close to Temple Bar. Recognised as a cultural hot spot, Temple Bar is a stone’s throw away from the city’s most visited landmarks and attractions such as Trinity College, Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green and the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. The area is also home to many excellent Irish cultural centres and institutions including the Gallery of Photography, the Olympia Theatre, the National Library Photographic Archive, Smock Alley Theatre and the Irish Film Institute.

A city steeped in musical history that spans generations and styles, Dublin’s first Hard Rock Hotel will celebrate the pioneering artists of the past and present that have contributed to the city’s cultural vibrancy.

Speaking about the project, Enda O’Meara, CEO of Tifco Ltd. said, “Dublin’s vibrant cultural scene makes it one of the hottest European cities to visit, attracting over 5.5 million overseas visitors annually. Hard Rock Hotel is an iconic, global brand that will be bringing something very different in its own distinctive style to this vibrant part of the capital city.” Commenting further on the hotel itself Enda said, “The hotel’s custom design based around the existing handsome early 20th century building will be unique, modern and sophisticated, offering upscale 4-star luxury with a standalone F&B proposition that we plan to put on the map. Hard Rock Hotel Dublin will be the place to see and be seen with live music nightly, excellent food and cocktails, and authentic Irish service.”

Through music appreciation and an imaginative environment, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos delivers products for the varied aspects of life – work, play and personal sanctuary. For more information or to book a stay at any of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.

Hard Rock International:

With venues in 75 countries, including 182 cafes, 24 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company’s two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, FL., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include St. Petersburg, Fortaleza, Casablanca and Chengdu. New Hard Rock hotel, casino or hotel-casino projects include Atlanta, Atlantic City, Berlin, Budapest, London, Los Cabos, Maldives, New York City, Ottawa, Dalian and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

About Tifco Hotel Group:

Tifco Hotel Group is one of Ireland’s leading hotel companies who currently own and manage a portfolio of 26 5-star, 4-star and 3-star hotels and resorts in Ireland.

The group owns and operates a number of international hotel brands (under franchise) including the Hilton Dublin Kilmainham, three Crowne Plaza hotels, the Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport and the 12 Travelodge hotels in Ireland.

Through their management services agreements and contracts Tifco Hotel Group are also involved in Clontarf Castle Hotel, a unique 4-star castle hotel and winner of the Deloitte Best Managed Platinum Companies in Ireland, Hotel Killarney and The Innisfallen Hotel Killarney, the Athlone Springs Hotel, The Metropole Hotel Cork, Cork International Hotel and the Cork Airport Hotel.

For further information on Tifco Hotel Group see www.tifcohotels.ie.

Aloft Hotels set to open in Dublin City in 2018

January 17, 2017
Aloft Hotels

Aloft Hotels will open a new location brand in in Dublin’s historic Liberties quarter in the spring of 2018. The deal is part of a franchise agreement with Blackpitts Hospitality Limited. Aloft Dublin City will be operated by Dublin-based Pembroke Hospitality Limited.

Aloft Dublin City will be eight stories tall and have 202 loft-like guest rooms with platform beds, walk-in showers and complimentary Bliss amenities. Guests can also expect the brand’s signature WXYZ bar, a public space where they can catch up on emails, read the papers, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends, The hotel will also have Re:mixSM lounge.The WXYZ® bar and Re:mixSM lounge will be situated on the top floor of the hotel, making the most of the panoramic city views.

Aloft Dublin City will offer SPG Keyless that enables guests to use their smartphone or Apple watch as a room key. Other features will include a Re:chargeSM fitness centre; Re:fuelSM by Aloft, a convenient 24-hour deli option for those on the go; as well as two modern meeting spaces supported by an In-Touc’ business area. Fast and free Wi-Fi will be available throughout the property.

Two independently operated retail spaces will be located on the ground level with direct access from the street. There will also be on-site parking facilities for hotel guests and visitors.

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