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Mommy Is at the Hairdresser's

Name: Mommy Is at the Hairdresser's
Director: Léa Pool
Released: 2008
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

7.8/10

Good

2008

Director

Léa Pool

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Léa Pool’s drama offers a sophisticated deconstruction of the mid-century domestic ideal. It shifts the locus of power from the traditional patriarch to the evolving ability to act of female characters and the psychological autonomy of the children. The film's strength lies in its progressive handling of LGBTQ+ themes and gendered expectations. By using the father's infidelity as a primary narrative engine, it challenges the stability of the nuclear family. However, the film remains tethered to its historical setting regarding racial diversity. While it accurately reflects the homogeneity of 1966 Québec, it does not actively challenge the era's demographic constraints through diverse casting.

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Category Breakdown

Does Mommy Is at the Hairdresser's have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The father's secret relationship with a male lover is the key factor driving the family's breakdown. This queer element challenges the traditional assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender, transforming the narrative.

How does Mommy Is at the Hairdresser's portray gender?

Excellent

The film challenges traditional gender hierarchies by highlighting women's ability to drive the story. The mother prioritizes her journalism career over domestic duties, while Élise, the protagonist, takes emotional leadership to stabilize the family unit.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Mommy Is at the Hairdresser's?

Limited

Set in 1966 Québec, the cast reflects the demographic homogeneity of that time. The film portrays a traditional, homogeneous Québécois middle class without actively diversifying the roles.

How does Mommy Is at the Hairdresser's represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques rigid 1960s social structures by emphasizing individual pursuits and shifting identities. It prioritizes emotional truth over the preservation of traditional institutional stability.

Does Mommy Is at the Hairdresser's include disability representation?

Fair

The film explores the psychological inner worlds of the children, particularly Benoît. However, it lacks explicit representation of neurodivergence or physical disability as a central narrative driver.

Present on Screen

Nuanced handling of LGBTQ+ themes as a central narrative catalyst.
Effective subversion of traditional gender hierarchies and domestic roles.
Strong focus on the emotional ability to act and leadership of female characters.

Limited or Absent

Limited racial and ethnic diversity due to historical homogeneity.
Lack of explicit representation regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

in the summer of 1966, in Beloeil, Québec, where a young girl named Élise is enjoying summer vacation. Summer 1966. It's time to enjoy the summer holiday, total freedom. Suddenly her mother leaves her family to pursue her journalism career in London. Her urge to leave is triggered when she coincidentally listens in on a conversation between her husband and his male lover. Her brother Coco seeks solace in the garage, building a super racing car. Her youngest brother Benoît throws himself into his own inner world. The father seems absolutely knocked out by the situation. Élise decides to take control of her family, in an eloquent attempt to save them. With the assistance of flourishing nature around her, she stands on the threshold of an incomparable summer.

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