This film is remarkable despite not breaking any new ground with its subject matter. Countless movies have been made about mothers, and there's nothing unique about the characters of Hubert and Chantal or their relationship. There's also nothing particularly unique about the quality of the filmmaking, until you consider the fact that it's a first feature by a teenager. Written at 17 and directed at 19, Dolan demonstrates the petulance, insolence, and selfishness of the teenage years.
Some of the fat could have been trimmed out (though beautifully shot, the paint-covered sex scene between Hubert and his boyfriend was pretty superfluous). Though familial relationships are the focus, even the brief scene with hsi father is unnecessary. It's compelling, but perhaps would have been stronger as a two-person film.
