MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

(director: Mark Waters; screenwriter: Robin Bernheim; cinematographer: Ed Wu; editor: Travis Sittard; music: Caroline Ho; cast: Brooke Shields (Lana Winslow), Miranda Cosgrove (Emma), Benjamin Bratt (Will), Rachel Harris (Janice), Sean Teale (RJ), Chad Michael Murray (Lucas), Wilson Cruz (Scott), Michael McDonald (Clay), Tasneem Roc (Camela), Dalip Sondhi (Harley); Runtime: 88; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Brad Krevey; Netflix/Living Films; 2024)

“A shallow escapist pic that I couldn’t escape from until it ended.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz


A forgettable rom/com about a wedding in Thailand. It’s vacuously directed by Mark Waters (“Vampire Academy”/”The House of Yes”) and lamely scripted by Robin Bernheim.


Dr. Lana Winslow (Brooke Shields) is a famous international geneticist and a judgemental single mother. Her daughter Emma (Miranda Cosgrove) returns a day early from a trip abroad and says she’s getting married in Phuket, Thailand, that’s being paid for by the ‘lifestyle’ social media company she works for.

Lana is surprised that the groom is RJ (Sean Teale), the son of her old flame Will (Benjamin Bratt), who broke her heart back when they were dating in college. She’s still hurt by that.

At the wedding are Lana’s horny party animal sister Janice (Rachael Harris) and her cheeky gay pals (Wilson Cruz & Michael McDonald). There’s also the dreamy young doctor Lucas (Chad Michael Murray), who has a crush on Lana.

The unfunny comedy is filled with superficial characters and stereotyped ‘beautiful people’ characters. It’s a shallow escapist pic that I couldn’t escape from until it ended.

REVIEWED ON 8/18/2024  GRADE: C –
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