The Mother

On the run and out of sight, a lethal operative takes her first steps back into the open world when a threat to the daughter she gave up years ago surfaces. The woman known as Mother reconnects with her past as she tries to keep Zoe, played by Lucy Paez, out of reach of men who will stop at nothing to seize them. As a relentless pursuit unfolds, she improvises with the same precise combat skills that once protected dozens of targets, guiding them through crowded streets, rundown motels, and tense hands of fate. Along the way, fragile trust between mother and child tests itself against a merciless hunt led by figures like Adrian, Hector, and Cruise, and other pursuers.

Directed by Niki Caro, The Mother released in 2023 as a Netflix original. It draws from an original screenplay by Peter Craig, Andrea Berloff, and Misha Green, delivering a lean, kinetic action ride led by Jennifer Lopez.

Jennifer Lopez anchors the film with a restrained presence that grounds the chase. The action favors practical, close quarters combat over flashy stunts, and the bond with Zoe adds emotional weight. Her controlled intensity lets audiences feel fear and resolve in key confrontations. The choreography remains crisp and accessible.

Critics regard The Mother as a lean thriller that foregrounds maternal protection and moral complexity. It pairs relentless pursuit with a focus on family ties, showing what a parent will risk to shield a child while navigating a mercenary world. The film also invites viewers to consider the ethics of vigilantism.

Box Office performance: Netflix streaming numbers are not disclosed publicly, and the film did not have a traditional theatrical run. The release prioritizes global digital reach over box office tallies. This framing reinforces Netflix as the primary stage for high octane action thrillers.