Salve Maria (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Salve Maria,” the latest film from Catalan director Mar Coll, premiered at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival, delving deeply into themes of motherhood, identity, and psychological horror. Based on Katixa Agirre’s novel Mothers Don’t, this dark and introspective drama captures the harrowing journey of a new mother struggling with unsettling emotions after childbirth. The film sheds light on postpartum despair and obsession, questioning the idealized image of motherhood society often upholds. This review will discuss the film’s plot, its critical reception, and where U.S. audiences might soon expect to stream it.
Plot Summary
The story centers on María, a 34-year-old writer and new mother. Instead of the anticipated joy of motherhood, María finds herself emotionally estranged, overwhelmed by self-doubt and guilt over her ambivalent feelings toward her newborn. Her psychological crisis intensifies upon discovering the story of Alice Espanet, a French woman who drowned her twins. María’s fixation on Alice’s crime serves as a lens through which she processes her own emotional turbulence, setting her on a journey of introspection that blurs the line between horror and psychological drama.
María’s attempt to understand Alice’s horrific act becomes a quest for understanding her own sense of inadequacy. Laura Weissmahr’s portrayal of María is haunting, conveying the complex spectrum of emotions—from dread to fascination. This gripping drama uses horror elements sparingly but effectively, amplifying the tension and offering a raw exploration of a mother on the edge.
Themes and Direction
Director Mar Coll explores the challenges of modern motherhood in a society rife with unrealistic expectations. Coll’s narrative style fuses personal introspection with horror tropes, creating an eerie, suspenseful atmosphere. The director’s choice to use horror aesthetics, from disturbing visuals to a suspenseful score by Zeltia Montes, adds a surreal edge that amplifies María’s psychological turmoil.
The film is highly intimate, and Coll’s style effectively pulls viewers into María’s fragile psyche. The character’s struggle with postpartum detachment is both deeply personal and universally resonant, shedding light on the often-silenced challenges many mothers face. María’s interactions with those around her—her supportive yet often absent husband, her baby’s constant cries, and the persistent societal pressures—contribute to a suffocating atmosphere, underscoring the loneliness and isolation that often accompany new motherhood.
Critical Reception
“Salve Maria” has garnered praise for its raw, uncompromising depiction of motherhood’s darker side. Critics at Locarno highlighted Laura Weissmahr’s performance, noting her ability to convey María’s complex emotions, from vulnerability to simmering rage. Coll’s narrative has been celebrated for pushing boundaries, a trademark of her earlier works, including Three Days with the Family and We All Want What’s Best for Her. However, some critics pointed out that the film’s pacing slows as it delves deeper into María’s obsessions, which could detract from the psychological tension. Despite this, “Salve Maria” remains a powerful study of motherhood and identity, sparking important conversations about the pressures placed on women to embody an idealized vision of maternal perfection.
Streaming and Availability in the U.S.
As of now, “Salve Maria” is not available for streaming on major U.S. platforms. However, given the film’s strong reception at Locarno and its appeal to art-house audiences, there is potential for a North American streaming release. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu often acquire films with critical acclaim from international festivals. Furthermore, streaming services focused on independent films, such as Criterion Channel or MUBI, may also consider adding “Salve Maria” to their catalogs.
For real-time availability updates, you can monitor JustWatch, a reliable platform for tracking streaming options in the U.S. JustWatch frequently updates its catalog with new releases, providing users with easy access to where they can watch or rent films as soon as they become available online.
Expected Release and Streaming Predictions
Based on recent trends, “Salve Maria” may be expected on U.S. streaming platforms by early to mid-2025. Film distribution can be unpredictable, especially for independent and international titles. However, its premiere at Locarno and subsequent film festival screenings increase its likelihood of an American distribution deal. If you’re interested in this title, keep an eye on niche streaming platforms like MUBI and Criterion Channel, as well as general-purpose streaming giants such as Netflix and Amazon, which may secure rights to stream “Salve Maria” within the coming months.
Conclusion
“Salve Maria” offers a bold, unsettling exploration of a mother grappling with identity and societal expectations, heightened by Mar Coll’s deft use of psychological horror. Laura Weissmahr’s remarkable performance ensures that María’s journey is both compelling and deeply human, bringing empathy to the often-overlooked struggles of new mothers.
While “Salve Maria” may not yet be available on streaming platforms in the U.S., its critical acclaim suggests it will soon find a home on a popular streaming service. Stay tuned to JustWatch for the latest updates, and prepare yourself for a gripping cinematic experience that tackles one of life’s most challenging transitions with unflinching honesty.
For updates on where to stream “Salve Maria,” be sure to bookmark JustWatch. Don’t miss this powerful psychological thriller—follow María’s journey into the depths of motherhood’s most haunting emotions, and be ready to stream this unique film as soon as it becomes available in the U.S.
