While focused on a mentor, the absence and memory of maternal influence shape the protagonist's journey.
The mother-son relationship is one of cinema’s most enduring emotional anchors. This paper examines a filmography of notable mother-son films from 1970 to the present, alongside a parallel analysis of popular user-generated videos (YouTube, TikTok) that depict mom-son interactions. By comparing scripted narratives with reality-based content, the study identifies recurring themes: the struggle for independence, maternal sacrifice, the rise of “boy mom” culture, and the comedic subversion of traditional authority.
| Theme | Cinema (Feature Films) | Popular Digital Videos | |-------|-----------------------|------------------------| | | Deep psychological (addiction, estrangement, death) | Surface-level (messy room, embarrassing outfits) | | Resolution | Often tragic or bittersweet (illness, permanent separation) | Immediate and humorous (hug, laugh, “I love you”) | | Mother’s role | Emotional anchor, moral teacher, sometimes overbearing | Best friend, co-star, recipient of pranks | | Son’s role | Struggling child or young adult seeking identity | Comedy partner, returnee hero, pseudo-parent | | Audience | Adults seeking catharsis | All ages (teens especially); algorithm-driven |