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.

“Quietly outstanding ... Poignant, compassionate, and very powerful.” - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

“A quiet stunner ... It tugs at you, long after the last frame.” - Stephanie Zacharek, Time Magazine

“The Dardenne Brothers bring clear-sighted observation and empathy to a tender snapshot of women at a crossroads ... There’s never a false note from the young actors, all of whom have deeply moving scenes.”

- David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter

“The duo’s most convincing film yet ... Their best film in more than a decade.” - Peter Debruge, Variety

“Taut and Tender Drama… What the Dardennes Do Best” - Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire

★★★★ “[The Dardennes have] always had a knack for coaxing tremendous performances from even the youngest of actors, and the cast here is uniformly excellent.” - David Hughes, Time Out

“Unvarnished and honest .... The film has a cumulative power and a heartening message of resilience and optimism.” - Wendy Ide, Screen Daily

★★★★★ “Quietly profound.” - Danny Leigh, Financial Times