Sister (Ursula Meier, 2012): Switzerland

Reviewed by Cecilia Gonzalez. Viewed at Lobero Theater, Santa Barbara

A mother son relationship could be a very sacred relationship. The morals and qualities of respect that a mother teachers her son, I believe the traits that a mother can teach a son play a vital role in who the boy becomes. In this film, it becomes evident that Sister’s role in the film as Simon’s mother was very influential to who Simon becomes. She seemed to be promiscuous with boys and always leaving Simon to take care of their financial stability.
Simon would sell used, or semi-new ski equipment that he stole from around the ski resort. He would spend much of his day trying to make a few hundred dollars, or francs, or more each day. This forced Simon to become brave and strong at a young age. The majority of the film follows Simon’s struggle to stand on his own to feet with no support from his “sister”, Louise, or biological mother. I admired Simon’s fearless attitude, but sympathized with his loneliness and lack of love that was given or shown to him by Louise. She forced Simon to turn to the most desperate way of living because she lacked effort it trying to find a job.

I became a bit saddened at the fact that Louise was so selfish with her compassion and effort to show Simon any love. It is evident that Simon is doing what he is doing and is forced to make money for himself because his mother, also known as Sister. She discloses information about his coming into the world, such as, when his mother discovered she was pregnant with him, “No one wanted him”. This information became the big turning point in the film. Simon began having a hard-time stealing and selling items, and him and Louise began fighting. I think Simon began taking out his anger out on Louise because he was hurt, and worthless to his mother’s life.
This film holds strong emotional traits in the narrative, and semi beautiful visuals. The ending caught me a little off-guard and left me at a cliff-hanger, but I was still able to form an interpretation. I interpreted the ending as being that Simon and Louise were going to go their separate ways, but still felt that they needed each other.