The movie

Jeunes Mères

Five young mothers living in a shelter strive for a better future for themselves and kids amidst challenging upbringings.

Length: 105 min
Country: België
Language spoken: Frans
Language subtitles: Nederlands
Cast: Babette Verbeek, Elsa Houben, Janaina Halloy Fokan, Lucie Laruelle
Director: Jean-Pierre Dardenne
Release date: 14/08/2025

Description

Jeunes Mères is the new film from two-time Palme d'Or winners Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne. In this both moving and hopeful mosaic film, the Dardenne brothers portray five young women fighting for a better life for themselves and their children.

Jessica, Perla, Julie, Ariane, and Naïma are staying in a mother-and-child shelter, where they receive support as young (expectant) mothers. Five teenagers, each with their own story and struggles, but who find strength in each other. Fighting for a better future is not always easy, but the shelter offers protection, warmth, and a sense of connection.

Jeunes Mères had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where the Dardenne brothers won the award for Best Screenplay. The cast is made up mostly of non-professional actors, with the young mothers delivering particularly remarkable performances. “Jeunes Mères is the best film of the year so far and offers exactly what we need in times like these: light in the darkness” (★★★★★ Humo).