Young Mothers Film Review: Dardenne Brothers
Dardenne Brothers Continue to Chronicle Lives on the Margins with “Young Mothers”
Filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, both age 73 as of January 16, 2026, continue their decades-long focus on the struggles of youth with their latest film, “Young Mothers.” Known for their unflinching portrayals of poverty and neglect, the Belgian brothers gained prominence with their 1996 film “La promesse.” Their work includes two Palme d’Or wins at the Cannes Film Festival for “Rosetta” (1999) and “L’Enfant” (2005).
“Young Mothers” departs slightly from their typical focus on a single protagonist, instead following an ensemble of adolescent mothers living in a shelter in Liège, Belgium. The film observes five young women navigating the challenges of motherhood, with varying circumstances. Perla (Lucie Laruelle), for example, initially intended to have an abortion but changed her mind after believing her boyfriend, Robin (Gunter Duret), reciprocated her feelings.
Despite not reaching the heights of their earlier acclaimed works, the Dardenne brothers demonstrate a continued commitment to depicting the realities of life for society’s most vulnerable.Their signature handheld camera style and unvarnished approach remain central to their filmmaking.