Céline Roustan
As the relationship of Sofia and Claire reaches the point where the question of having kids is raised, Sofia is prepared to go to extreme lengths to show her partner that she is ready. With Young Mom, writer/director Cecila Delgado crafts a dramedy about a queer couple navigating the complexities of the parenthood decision, centered around a complex main character as nuanced as she is compelling and relatable.
“I was interested in exploring how one’s biological clock ticking pairs with a queer identity”
While the idea behind the film came from a reflection on a past break-up, Delgado shared with us that she “was interested in exploring how one’s biological clock ticking pairs with a queer identity”. From that starting point, she integrated her own personal experiences into her storytelling, particularly drawing from her time babysitting for a family where the boundaries between chosen family and employers became blurred. “I found myself wondering what lines I would have to cross to make that unspoken distinction clear”, she added.
The film’s central theme revolves around the pressure Sofia faces, mirroring the experiences of many in their twenties, who are still navigating life’s uncertainties, she still has lots to figure out. When Claire brings up the topic of starting a family, it throws chaos into her adulting process and triggers insecurities. While Sofia’s actions may seem illogical, Delgado builds up to that moment by subtly showing us what her character is trying to prove to others, and herself. The realistic look of the film is what makes it such a pleasant watch, as it is easy to identify with at least one character, and the lack of dramatic moments or intense climax allows the short to instead focus on Sofia’s emotional journey.
Eleanore Pienta & Anamari Mesa star as the film’s central couple.
As the short’s framing means we are often very close to Sofia, immersed in her inner turmoil, Delgado and DP Zach Kuperstein (Napoleon in Exile) ensure we still get a good sense of her surroundings by injecting a homely feel to the film, where the locations actually feel lived in. For the shoot, they actually filmed in the home of the family Delgado worked for, with the director also crediting her collaboration with production designer Véra Haddad for making each location the canvas of her narrative.
Although the film centers heavily on Sofia, every actor in the cast significantly contributes to portraying the world in which she lives. From the bustling chaos of a household with a young child, to the playground they visit, they all reflect Sofia’s state of mind. It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Eleanore Pienta’s (Important Police Shit, I Turn to Jello) work and here once more she shines, exhibiting perfect chemistry with lead actress Anamari Mesa, who is also incredible in every single scene. Mesa’s performance is particularly impressive with those aforementioned tight camera shots in mind, as without extensive dialogue she guides viewers through her character’s emotional journey.
With Delgado an established editor and assistant director, working on previous S/W picks Dirty, Meats, Mutt, Plaisir, Sales Per Hour, Scotty’s Vag and more, Young Mom marks her directorial debut, with the filmmaker already in the process of developing two new shorts.