Mothers’ Instinct is not only a masterclass in acting between the two leads, with Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain excelling in all scenes where they go toe-to-toe as their characters Céline and Alice. It is also a fascinating exploration of how societal expectations of women, mental health, and motherhood can have disastrous consequences. Once best friends who would do anything for each other, Alice and Céline force each other to the edge of their sanity following an unthinkable tragedy. Yet, Mothers' Instinct's dark finale has us rethink the entirety of the film, highlighting the gaslighting that had been ongoing and leaving us with slightly unresolved feelings towards Céline and her actions.