Young Mothers

Opened Friday, January 9, 2026

SHOWTIMES AT IFC CENTER

In a shelter in Liège, Belgium, a group of young women face the challenges and exhilaration of motherhood. Looking ahead to an uncertain future, the new mothers aspire to break free of the past and not repeat the cycles of neglect, abuse, and abandonment that have defined their young lives. Jessica grew up in a foster family, and must understand why her biological mother could not keep her. Perla wrestles with the unreliability of her boyfriend, and confronts the possibility that she may need to raise her child alone. Julie has a more stable partner, but cannot imagine parenthood until she overcomes her drug habit once and for all. And Ariane must protect her baby at all costs, with the daunting recognition that her home may not be safe for her daughter.

Winner of the Best Screenplay prize at Cannes, the latest film from master directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (Rosetta; Two Days, One Night), YOUNG MOTHERS is a delicate and hopeful study of women on the brink of new life

“Another fine example of social realist cinema from the masters of the form.” – Radio Times

  • Country Belgium, France
  • Language French with English subtitles
  • Running Time 106 minutes
  • Format DCP
  • Distributor Music Box Films
  • Director Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne
  • Cast Babette Verbeek, Elsa Houben, Janaina Halloy Fokan, Lucie Laruelle, Samia Hilmi
  • Accessibility Assistive Listening, T-Coil

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