The Mother and the Bear (2026)
Parent Guide
A lighthearted comedy-drama about family relationships with minimal concerning content, best for ages 10+ due to themes of deception and mature family dynamics.
Content breakdown
Brief discussion of a home accident that causes a temporary coma (off-screen), no graphic violence shown.
Mild tension from the daughter's medical situation and the mother's deceptive actions, but presented in a comedic context.
Occasional mild language (e.g., 'damn', 'hell') typical of PG-rated comedies.
No sexual content or nudity; the catfishing plot involves creating a romantic connection but focuses on emotional deception rather than physical relationships.
No depiction of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco use.
Moderate emotional themes involving parental worry, medical emergencies, and family conflict, balanced with comedic relief.
Parent tips
This film explores themes of overprotective parenting, cultural clashes, and deception with comedic elements. Parents should be prepared to discuss: 1) The ethics of catfishing and online deception, 2) How different cultures approach family relationships and independence, 3) The balance between parental protection and allowing children to make their own choices, 4) The emotional impact of medical emergencies on families.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What did you think about the mother in the movie?
- How do you think the daughter felt when she woke up?
- What does it mean to keep someone safe?
- Why do you think the mother lied online about who she was?
- What are some ways parents can protect children without lying?
- Have you ever heard of 'catfishing' before? What do you think about it?
- Do you think Sara's actions were justified because she was worried about her daughter?
- What are the potential consequences of creating fake online profiles?
- How do cultural differences affect how parents show they care?
- Where should parents draw the line between protection and controlling their children's lives?
- How does this film comment on modern parenting in the digital age?
- What ethical questions does the catfishing plot raise about consent and autonomy?
Story overview
The Mother and the Bear is a 2026 comedy-drama about Sara, a Korean mother who travels from Seoul to Winnipeg after her daughter falls into a temporary coma from a home accident. Determined to protect her daughter forever, Sara takes extreme measures by creating a fake online identity to catfish a potential husband for her, leading to humorous and heartfelt situations as she navigates cultural differences and family dynamics.
Trailer
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Where to watch
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