Motherhood is hard work. Justina Machado’s The Throwback which is a family comedy revolving around having “me time” amidst the chaos of family, and the notion of one being a “super mom” can simply be summed up in these 2 words: not that tough. Well, focus on just the low times or the trouble, the film is also about how one surpasses that and comes out on the other end renewed.
Mario Garcia appears to be the director of the cringey elements of the Latina mother trope, at least for the visuals, and yet, it all feels natural. That’s probably the good part of Latines owning their narratives and maybe that’s what allows The Throwback to be a pleasant quick-paced comedy film rather than an irritating takedown of a culture seen from the outside. It’s kind of when they say hey, I can mock my sister, but no one else is allowed to do that.
Not sure about being thrown back, but The Throwback is exactly that.
Yes, there’s a lot to laugh about when it comes to how some people from our community act – and we all have a mom like Kate, don’t we? So, is it so very surprising that she has exploded in anger? Not really all that much. Honestly, she should have exploded a long time ago. Exploding sounds like a good thing. In fact, I especially wanted to see her destroy herself. Someone else can do everything else for a change. She deserved that break. Do you want me to fix everything now? I want a break.
Well, no such luck, because I suppose balance can be overrated. In storytelling at least, but The Throwback does have a lot of potential, especially as a funny movie and as a review of what Latine culture is really like. From The Throwback, if there is a message then it’s embedded in there. No, it won’t be slap you in the face type of message. You will enjoy this type of film quite simply, and a short time later, as you contemplate while sipping tea, you’re like, you know, maybe I\’ll show a little more respect for my mom.
Because yes, you could. Yes, I could. In fact, we all probably could. However, things may not always turn out as we anticipated. Most definitely, life is far more complicated than what we presume it is. But if you are one of the fortunate people who have the sort of “supermom” who never leaves them, then realistically speaking, you do not have a problem, not in actuality. Sure, when you are in a rut, it might feel like you have one, but you are lucky. And her? She only perhaps needs a hug and a gentle reminder that once in a while, she does not need to be your mother, perhaps even just for a minute.
No need for her to go to any crazy parties or whatever that is to say, it is never too bad to start small. But, prioritizing oneself is never inappropriate.
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