Mahershala Ali takes on a striking role in the upcoming film “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother,” where he wields a sword. This choice is not a reference to Ali’s previous connection with Marvel’s “Blade,” but rather aligns with his character Latif, a devout Muslim who is also a contract killer, viewing himself as a righteous agent of divine justice. Latif believes his violent actions serve as a form of retribution for those he perceives as having offended God. According to writer and director Bassam Tariq, the sword symbolizes Latif’s moral code and his complex relationship with his faith.
In a recent interview in Toronto, Tariq elaborated on the thematic depth of his film, which combines elements of a samurai-inspired neo-western with a poignant exploration of grief, spirituality, and violence within American society. “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother” is characterized as a visceral thriller, drawing stylistic comparisons to Steven Soderbergh’s “The Limey” and Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Drive.” The film offers a nuanced depiction of Houston, showcasing the city’s rich cultural landscape while addressing the tensions and conflicts arising from its diverse beliefs and ideologies. This struggle is particularly evident in the relationship between Ali’s Latif, a single father raising three children, and Jon Cho’s Pastor Hwan, a fervent evangelical Christian who conducts aggressive online sermons and leads a violent religious campaign.
“Texas feels a bit different these days,” Tariq remarked, highlighting the distinct atmosphere he perceives compared to New York, where he currently resides. He noted that in Texas, whether religious or not, people often engage with faith-based communities due to the lack of social services. “If you’re looking to socialize or play basketball, you’re likely to do so at a mosque or a church. This can lead to the formation of dogmatic ideas, such as feeling superior to others. The environment has become heavily politicized, and I think we’re facing a dark moment right now,” he explained.
“Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother” aims to navigate this tension while celebrating the vibrancy and inspiration found within these communities, offering a heartfelt examination of faith and fatherhood. These themes resonated deeply with both Tariq and Ali during the film’s development.
Tariq humorously referenced their previous collaboration on Marvel’s “Blade,” stating, “You might have heard of it,” as he discussed how the project’s challenges have intertwined with the making of “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother.” Ali was initially set to star in the long-anticipated “Blade” reboot, which has now been officially shelved.
Reflecting on the abrupt halt of the “Blade” project in 2022, Tariq said, “We were on the verge of shooting when it all fell apart, despite the absence of a script, which ultimately led to its cancellation.” He recounted the extensive preparations, including fight choreography and training for Ali, that had been completed prior to the project’s shutdown. Tariq likened the preparation process to the elaborate choreography of a Bollywood film, emphasizing the emphasis on action before the storyline was fully developed.
Despite the disappointment surrounding “Blade,” Tariq expressed contentment with the outcome, revealing a mix of nerves and excitement as he approaches the premiere of “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother” at the Toronto Film Festival. He shared that his family, including his two children, aged 12 and 9, have been involved throughout the film’s journey—from writing to production. “I’m trying to keep everyone close,” he said, paralleling this sentiment with the film’s narrative about a father’s quest to reconnect with his children.
The inspiration for the film stemmed from Tariq’s personal experience following the birth of his first child in 2014, when his wife faced a severe infection. “At that time, my son was exclusively breastfed, and I found myself frantically searching New York City for breast milk,” he recounted. This experience laid the groundwork for the film’s opening scene, where Ali’s character, Latif, embarks on a similar quest following his wife’s death, grappling with his own crisis of faith.
“I remember that frustration,” Tariq said, reflecting on his feelings of anger towards divinity during that challenging time. “Ultimately, I realized that all my son needed was for me to be present as a father. That moment when you hear your child calling for you is something that stays with me. I’ve been trying to weave that emotional experience into an engaging narrative.” The creative process was further influenced by his work on “Blade,” allowing him to hone the story’s direction.
