A One Mann’s Movies review of “Maternal Instinct”. (2026, 4*, 15).
“Maternal Instinct” is a true crime documentary on Netflix that goes to some very disturbing places.
One Mann’s Movies Rating:
Plot:
A Texas state trooper pulls over an hysterical woman – Taylor Parker – who claims to have just had her baby in the car while driving to the hospital. But it is clear to doctors that she hasn’t given birth.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: R. (From the BBFC website: “References to violence, language, distressing scenes.”)
Talent:
Directed by: Jessica Dimmock.
Running Time: 1h 34m.
Review:
Positives:
- This is a film that is best served cold, but the story develops in such a bizarre way. The director, Jessica Dimmock, keeps dropping in mini-nuclear bombs into the story that keep you going “Whhaaat? No!!”. These are delivered with style, often just by showing her next chilling (recreated) Google search.
- The story is intriguing in having so many victims. As well as the people genuinely hurt by Taylor’s actions, you also have a wide circle of friends and family who can “no longer look at each other” because they always think they should have been able to do more.
- It’s a demonstration of a case where data protection laws sometimes get in the way of ‘doing the right thing’. In fact, one of the medical professionals is shown on camera admitting to ‘dropping hints’ without giving out definitive information, which might itself be a bit dodgy for her, legally speaking.
Negatives:
- Some of the Texas accents are so broad and indecipherable that I found I sometimes needed to put the subtitles on.
Summary Thoughts:
A bit like the Oscar nominee from last year, “The Perfect Neighbor“, this is a slow car-crash of a documentary that goes to very dark places indeed. It’s a fascinating slice of American true-life crime and – if you think you are strong enough for it – is recommended. It will be interesting to see if this one ends up on the Oscar shortlist for the next awards season.
Where to watch?
Trailer:
The trailer for the film is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzW61JgRbNk.
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