Movie Mothers: Heroes & Villains

Today we’re looking at the dynamic of Heroes & Villains surrounding Movie Moms. Amongst this list you’ll find 10 memorable performances by ladies who represented motherhood in all kinds of ways. Good or bad? Let’s decide.

Laurie Piper as Margaret White in Carrie (1976)

VILLAIN
Laurie Piper played an unhinged, sinister, devout Mother who abused her daughter physically and verbally – calling her Satan, controlling every aspect of her life, clothing and body. Such events were horrifying to see unfold on screen. Carrie was ultimately alienated and condemned to a life of loneliness because of her mother’s cruel intentions, therefore we see Motherhood in a harrowing and heartbreaking light. It’s a great example of religion, faith and beliefs, but in the end that’s circumstantial because a mother knows best. 

JoBeth Williams as Diane Freeling in Poltergeist (1982)

HERO
JoBeth Williams plays a loving mother who has relocated for her husband’s job. Unfortunately, what’s meant to be a fresh, happy start is anything but. Becoming frightened and desperate to do anything that’ll save Carol Anne (her daughter) from the clutches of a dark entity which wants to consume her soul. The undying and relentless desire to have her child back in her arms is a beautiful sentiment, a mother doing all she can to protect their child. The film is totally bad ass too.

Betsy Palmer as Pamela Voorhees in Friday the 13th (1980)

VILLAIN
“Jason, kill for Mother!” Pamela was a devoted mother, and seeking revenge for the death of her son was all she lived for. Even in death her memory was kept alive by her reanimated son, who carried on her killing spree, becoming unstoppable in the process. Terrible parenting in my opinion. Pamela Voorhees (Betsy Palmer) is an icon, her performance has been retold and admired for years. You could also argue it’s justifiable, what do you think?

Dee Wallace as Donna Trenton in Cujo (1983)

HERO
Donna Trenton may not be the perfect wife, but there is no doubt that her courageous efforts to protect her son, Tad, are anything to dwindle. Trapped in a car for several days with no food or water in scorching hot weather the pair are forced to fight for their lives against a rabid dog. Donna Trenton (Dee Wallace) is unstoppable, unrelenting and keeps her son alive against all odds. Not only a wondrous mother but a damn strong final girl.

Julia Stiles as Tricia Albright in Orphan First Kill (2022)

VILLAIN
Tricia Albright (Julia Stiles) is a formidable adversary to Esther. We don’t see that side of her dramatically unfold but it simply surfaces with a calmness that is more unsettling than anything Esther could have predicted. Cleverly covering up the murder of one child to save another, this mother would do anything to protect her family and her secrets.

Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley in Aliens (1986)

HERO
Aliens has two Mothers: Ripley and the Alien Queen herself. Both fighters, both maternal and iconic. Ripley is our action heroine, who wasn’t looking for anything but to annihilate the xenomorphs existence. During her mission she discovers an orphaned girl, trapped, alone and vows to protect her like she is her own. Through trials of despair, Ellen Ripley mothers so hard.

Tandi Wright as Ruth in Pearl (2022)

VILLAIN
Ruth is another strict, religious mother who lives life secluded on a farm with her curious daughter Pearl (Mia Goth) and catatonic husband (Matthew Sunderland). Pearl wants to be a star, on stage, singing and acting however her mother forbids this, calling it a life of sin. Further berating her and refusing meals whenever Pearl steps out of line, this mothers jealousy only creates further hell for life at home.

Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode in Halloween (2018)

HERO
Trauma is devastating, especially trauma surrounding near death experiences and Miss Strode has survived her fair share. Certified unsafe to care for her daughter, Karen (Judy Greer) Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) ultimately became the weapon she needed to be in order to defeat The Shape and save the life of everyone she loved. Although her planning and preparation took priority, the goal was always the same, her family’s safety.

 Kathleen Turner as Beverly Sutphin in Serial Mom (1994)

VILLAIN
“Chip, the only serial I know anything about is Rice Krispies.” Beverly appears to be an unassuming stay at home mom, with her dentist husband and their teenage children. However, she is secretly a serial killer, murdering those she sees mock her, her family or are unsuccessful in living up to her expectations. The way she charismatically charms her way out of the murders she commits is equally clever and unhinged. Mothers really can do it all.

Sally Field as Mrs Gump in Forrest Gump (1994)

HERO
Unconditionally supportive with a never-ending outpour of love, Mrs Gump (Sally Field) will do anything for her son, ensuring his life has every avenue open to him. “Life is like a box of chocolates” is something we all took away from this film, because we also can’t help but adore the inspiration Mrs Gump is. Despite her son’s quirks, she assures him he is no different than anybody else. Wanting him not to only live a happy life but thrive to be the best he can be. She loves and supports him until her dying breath.

So, maybe make sure you’re not the child of a serial killer? Or hopefully you’re lucky enough to have a parent who would save you from an alien race. Which would you prefer?