“Is this historical fiction or a seasonal horror?”
We weren’t sure either. When you first glance at My Mother’s Friend, you might think you’re stepping into a poignant World War II drama–or possibly a retelling of The Polar Express told from the perspective of a jaded adult.
Let’s start with the lighting, which comes with the emotional range of a Michael Bay explosion. Streetlamps blaze like interrogation lights, the snow is apparently made of glitter shrapnel, and the sun is so intense you’ll wonder if it’s about to consume Iowa.
And speaking of Iowa–yes, that building says “Algona,” but we had to squint past the fiery mist and nuclear ash cloud to read it. Which raises the question: What exactly happened to Algona? Did the train derail into a volcano? Was this the result of someone saying, “I want the whole scene to look like a vintage postcard—but also on fire”?
The title “My Mother’s Friend” paired with this dramatic inferno might lead one to believe mom’s friend is a time-traveling saboteur. Or possibly Sauron. Either way, the woman in red seems unaware that she’s walking into a romantic drama–or a dystopian steampunk thriller.
The font choice is classic historical fiction, which is great–except that it’s glowing like it’s been sunbathing on Mercury.
Final Verdict:
My Mother’s Friend gives us train station noir, holiday inferno, and uncomfortable family secrets–all in one searing cover. A true masterpiece of genre confusion.