‘Young Mothers' Review: Belgium's Dardenne Brothers Adopt a Wider Focus for Their Most Humane Drama in More Than a Decade

Before turning their attention to ripped-from-reality social justice stories, Belgian brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne got their start making short documentaries set in working-class housing projects. They brought that same immersive, observational approach with them to their fiction features, reflected in the long-take handheld camerawork, gritty street-level locations and casting of nonprofessional actors that have become their signature. And yet, it's doubtful that anyone would have mistaken a Dardenne film for a documentary … until now.
'Young Mothers' is the duo's most convincing film yet, owing largely to the way they have widened the focus from one or two characters in crisis — the sort of urgency that drove everything from 'Rosetta' to 'Tori and Lokita' — to a loose choral form. Instead of presenting a single, nail-biting dramatic situation, the Dardennes' no-less-engaging ensemble drama dedicates quality time to a quartet of young women — girls, really — under the care of a maternal assistance home in Liège. Deeply moving but never manipulative, 'Young Mothers' is the brothers' best film in more than a decades, since they tried incorporating movie stars Cécile de France and Marion Cotillard into their world.
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Nearly all the faces here are unfamiliar — and every one is entirely persuasive. Reteaming with DP Benoit Dervaux and longtime editor Marie-Hélène Dozo, the siblings structure this latest, slightly unwieldy narrative as a series of more or less equally weighted dramas, interweaving the four cases as best they can (with a fifth example, played by Samia Hilmi, whose farewell party offers a ray of hope toward which the others can strive). The outcome requires a certain amount of multitasking from the audience, as with Michael Apted's 'Up' series or one of Frederick Wiseman's epic institutional portraits, in which every moment matters, but it's hard to say where things are headed exactly: toward tragedy, success or the status quo.
Pregnancy is the common thread between these four teens, who otherwise represent very different instances of children bringing children into the world. Jessica (Babette Verbeek) anxiously waits beside a bus stop, hoping to recognize the birth mother who put her up for adoption as an infant. It's not until the steps away from the camera that we see this immature young girl is pregnant herself. She's already picked out the name for her baby, Alba, and swears she'd never abandon her — a commitment to breaking the cycle by someone who desperately craves her own mother's embrace.
Ariane (Janaina Halloy Fokan) has practically the opposite problem: Her welfare-dependent single parent Nathalie (Christelle Cornil) pressured her to deliver, promising to help raise the child, but Ariane wants a better life for her baby. Ironically, this girl's maternal instincts are better than her mom's, who dates abusive men and drinks to extreme, and that sense of responsibility is what drives her to seek out a well-to-do foster couple who swear to teach the child music, offering a potential she never had.
In most cases, the babies' fathers are completely out of the picture, although two of the home's residents are still negotiating how committed their boyfriends are willing to be. It's implied that Perla (Lucie Laruelle) hoped that having a kid would strengthen her relationship with Robin (Gunter Duret), only to have the peach-fuzz delinquent blow her off as soon as he gets out of juvie, leaving Perla with only a half-sister (Joely Mbundu) to rely on. By contrast, runaways Julie (Elsa Houben) and Dylan (Jef Jacobs) seem relatively stable, but both are former drug users, which poses its own challenges.
Spelling out all these challenges surely makes the film sound far more miserable than it is. In fact, compared to the Dardennes' previous few features — and their Palme d'Or-winning masterpiece, 'The Child' — 'Young Mothers' is positively upbeat. The script is full of setbacks, but it's even better stocked with a sense of community, as characters step in to uplift one another. At the group home, the teens take turns preparing meals, and when one of them is overwhelmed or incapable, someone else invariably steps in to help.
That's just one small example of the countless ways 'Young Mothers' celebrates an institution where supportive yet firm social workers (played by Adrienne D'Anna, Mathilde Legrand and Hélène Cattelain) are available around the clock to serve as exactly the kind of role models its residents lacked in their own lives. Obviously, Belgium is fortunate to have such a place; most countries don't. A comparable assistance program would surely make a difference in the United States, where pregnant teens no longer have the choice these characters did over whether to abort.
Any movie on the subject of teenage pregnancy carries a polemical dimension of some kind, with a number of impactful recent examples — most notably, 'Never Rarely Sometimes Always' and 'Happening' — adopting a distinctly Dardennian style to drive their messages home. It's interesting then to see the Dardennes themselves taking a far more neutral tack, keeping things as open-ended as possible for the maximum range of reactions. The subject of abortion is frequently discussed, but the focus is exclusively fixed on characters who have brought their pregnancies to term.
If there's a political statement to be extrapolated here, it's that instead of thinking of young mothers as being responsible for their children, we should start thinking of society as being responsible for its young mothers.
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12 minutes ago

• Associated Press

DDB Worldwide Named Cannes Lions 2025 Network of the Year for the Second Time in Two Years

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Time Business News

an hour ago

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Top Ice Cream Places in Lahore You Must Try This Summer

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Couples often choose cozy ice cream cafes for their dates. Whether you're in DHA, Johar Town or anywhere else in Lahore, there's always an ice cream place nearby waiting to serve you something sweet and cold. The demand for dairy ice cream, frozen desserts and unique ice cream flavors continues to rise. From Pakistani ice cream brands to global names, the variety available today is truly impressive. You'll find everything from classic mango and pista ice cream to premium brands offering creative flavors like pistachio almond, chocolate fudge, Snickers Joy, Jalebi Baby and caramel crunch. Many ice cream parlours in Lahore now focus on using fresh fruit, organic dairy and creative toppings to stay ahead of the competition. Let's start with some famous international ice cream brands in Lahore that offer a luxurious experience. Häagen-Dazs is known all over the world for its rich, creamy ice cream made with top-quality ingredients. In Lahore, you can find Häagen-Dazs in DHA Phase 5 and a few other areas. As a premium ice cream brand in Lahore, it offers flavors that feel like pure luxury. Whether you go for their classic vanilla, salted caramel, or the rich Belgian chocolate, every bite delivers a silky texture you won't forget. You can't make a list of the top ice cream brands in Pakistan without mentioning Baskin-Robbins. Known for its famous 31 flavors, it offers endless choices, from classic mint chocolate chip to pralines and cream. It's the perfect stop whether you want a quick ice cream scoop or a full-on ice cream tub for home. Baskin-Robbins is a global favorite among ice cream lovers. Some crowd favorites include Pralines 'n Cream, Jamoca Almond Fudge and Very Berry Strawberry. With multiple locations across Lahore, Baskin-Robbins is a favorite for families and kids looking for the best ice cream places near me options anytime. Now let's talk about the new ice cream spots in Lahore that are super popular, especially among young people who love Instagram-worthy desserts. SLAP Ice Cream stands for 'Sounds Like A Plan'. At SLAP! Every scoop serves happiness. Made with 100% pure dairy and real ingredients, SLAP Ice cream offers a wide variety of flavors that brings you the true taste of ice cream. Fresh, rich and full of love — every bite is a moment to enjoy. Popular picks include Jalebi Baby, Chocolate Heaven, Strawberry Dream and their famous Blizzards, where you can mix toppings into your ice cream. They have shops in DHA Phase 6, CSD Shopping Mall and Johar Town, along with several branches across Lahore, offering cool interiors, fun vibes and plenty of new and unique flavors. If you're looking for the best ice cream places in Lahore, SLAP Ice Cream should be on your list for its unique flavors and multiple locations across the city. Sweet Cream focuses on small-batch, high-quality ice cream using natural ingredients. It has quickly become one of the most talked-about ice cream places in Lahore for its flavors like Super Cornetto Cup, Super Pista Badam and blizzards. Sweet Cream is now considered one of the best premium ice cream brands in Lahore, with branches in areas like DHA, Gulberg, Iqbal town and across Lahore. At Soft Swirl, it's all about the soft ice cream. Their silky smooth texture, wide range of flavors and customizable toppings make it perfect for people who love simple but delicious treats. Whether you want a soft ice cream cone or a loaded sundae, they've got you covered. Their creamy texture and simple menu make them a reliable option for a casual outing. Soft Swirl has multiple branches across Lahore, including DHA, Johar Town, Iqbal Town and several other areas of the city. Not everyone wants a heavy dairy dessert. Lush Crush Ice Pops offers fresh fruit ice creams and strawberry blush ice creams made with natural ingredients. Their popsicles are a refreshing alternative, especially for those who are health-conscious but still want to enjoy a frozen treat. Located in DHA, Gulberg, Johar Town and other areas of Lahore, Lush Crush is perfect if you want something light, fresh and guilt-free. If you love ice cream toppings, this is your place. Waffles by Alamgir serves thick special waffle nutty creamy scoops of ice cream, fresh fruit and syrups. It's the perfect dessert stop for a late-night sweet tooth. If you love waffles AND ice cream, Waffles by Alamgir is your spot. Their Nutella Waffles topped with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream are simply amazing. Located in the main market Gulberg and other popular areas, it's a great place to enjoy a complete dessert experience. Pomys may not be as widely known, but it's a place that delivers creamy perfection. Their thick, dense ice cream tubs are perfect for families. Flavors like mango, pista and chocolate brownie are standout favorites. One of the lesser-known yet highly loved ice cream places in Lahore is Pomys. Known for its rich, creamy texture and a variety of flavors, it's a perfect spot for families looking for takeaway tubs or late-night dessert runs. Pomys is a hidden gem located in Model Town, Lahore. They make small batches of fresh, creamy ice cream that feels homemade. If you're wondering where to eat ice cream in Lahore that reflects local flavors and traditions, these Pakistani ice cream parlors are must-visits. Ask any Lahori about their favorite childhood ice cream place and chances are they'll say Chaman Ice Cream. Chaman is one of the oldest and most loved ice cream parlors in Lahore. For decades, Lahoris have enjoyed its classic flavors like Pistachio, Mango, and Kulfa. Delicious, budget-friendly, and always buzzing with customers, Chaman has become a true part of Lahore's food culture. Located on Mall Road, Ferozepur Road, and several other branches across the city, Chaman remains affordable, tasty, and a true part of Lahore's food culture. Chaudairy Ice Cream merges classic Pakistani ice cream flavors with modern presentation. Their kulfi, pista badam and falooda flavors attract those who enjoy both tradition and innovation. With a mix of traditional and newer offerings, Chaudairy Ice Cream gives you that perfect balance. Their dairy ice cream is rich, fresh and often topped with nuts and syrups for that classic Pakistani flair. Chaudairy mixes traditional Pakistani flavors with a modern touch. Jay Bee's Ice Cream has built its name on fresh, small-batch ice creams made with high-quality ingredients. Their flavors are both traditional and creative, like roasted almond, coffee walnut and falooda-inspired specials. This is where you go when you're searching for something homemade but premium. Among the local ice cream places in Lahore, Jay Bee's Ice Cream stands out for its homemade, small-batch approach. Offering flavors like roasted almond, coffee walnut and falooda-inspired blends, Jay Bee's is a local favorite for its homemade style ice creams. You'll find rich flavors like Nutella, Salted Caramel and Coffee Walnut. Their outlets in Johar Town and Gulberg are popular among families and young people. If you search for the best ice cream places in Johar Town Lahore, Jay Bee's will surely show up. Joy Ice Cream offers some of the most affordable yet tasty options in town. Perfect for kids and large families, their soft ice cream cones and sundaes are easy on the wallet but full of flavor. Joy Ice Cream is affordable, offers plenty of flavors and is perfect for families on a budget. If you want good ice cream without spending too much, Joy Ice Cream delivers. If you're searching on Google for an ice cream parlour in Gulberg, Lahore, there's a good chance Joy is nearby. Here are a few simple tips to help you enjoy your ice cream tour of Lahore even more: Go in the evening: It's cooler and perfect for ice cream. It's cooler and perfect for ice cream. Avoid rush hours: Visit early or late to skip the crowds. Visit early or late to skip the crowds. Try new flavors: Don't always stick to chocolate or vanilla — explore! Don't always stick to chocolate or vanilla — explore! Use delivery apps: Many ice cream places in Lahore offer home delivery through Foodpanda, Cheetay and Careem. Many ice cream places in Lahore offer home delivery through Foodpanda, Cheetay and Careem. Watch for deals: Family-size tubs and combo offers are often available. Family-size tubs and combo offers are often available. Check hygiene: Choose clean, reputable shops with good customer reviews. Lahore's rich and diverse food culture makes it a true paradise for ice cream lovers looking for the best ice cream brands in Lahore and a wide variety of ice cream parlors to explore. Whether you're searching for international luxury, traditional flavors, or trendy new concepts, the wide range of ice cream places in Lahore guarantees you'll find your perfect scoop. This summer, don't settle for just one shop — try a few! Grab your friends or family, visit some of these top ice cream places in Lahore and enjoy the sweet side of summer. So next time you're craving something cold, grab your friends and explore the best ice cream places Lahore has to offer! Where can I find the best ice cream in Lahore? Häagen-Dazs, SLAP Ice Cream and Sweet Cream are some of the best ice cream places in Lahore, depending on your budget and taste. Are there affordable ice cream shops in Lahore? Yes! SLAP Ice Cream and Joy offer great taste at low prices. Which ice cream parlour offers delivery? Many parlours like Baskin-Robbins, Sweet Cream and Jay Bee's offer ice cream delivery near me through apps. Where can I find traditional Pakistani ice cream in Lahore? Chaman Ice Cream, Jay Bee's and Chaudairy Ice Cream are top spots for classic Pakistani flavors. What is the most famous Pakistani ice cream brand? Sweet Cream, Chaman and Jay Bee's are among the most loved Pakistani ice cream brands in Lahore. Do ice cream places in Lahore offer home delivery? Many places provide delivery services through apps like Foodpanda, Cheetay and Careem. What's the new most famous Pakistani ice cream place in Lahore? SLAP Ice Cream is one of the new and trendy ice cream places in Lahore. Which international ice cream brands are available in Lahore? Häagen-Dazs and Baskin-Robbins are two popular international brands serving Lahoris. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

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