Mother’s Instinct is a psychological thriller directed by Benoît Delhomme. Set in the early 1960s, it follows neighbors Alice and Céline, whose close friendship is tested by grief and suspicion after an accident involving one of their children. Jessica Chastain plays Alice and Anne Hathaway plays Céline.
What is Mother’s Instinct about?
Alice and Céline are close friends and neighbors whose lives appear harmonious until a tragic accident involving one of their children changes everything. The film follows the grief, guilt and growing suspicion that strain their relationship. This is the spoiler-conscious premise; it does not reveal how the story ends. NEON’s official US distributor page and Freckle Films’ film page describe the feature.
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Who stars in the film?
- Jessica Chastain as Alice
- Anne Hathaway as Céline
- Josh Charles
- Anders Danielsen Lie
Benoît Delhomme directed the film, and Freckle Films credits Sarah Conradt-Kroehler as its writer. The cast and credits are listed by Freckle Films; Apple TV also identifies Chastain and Hathaway in its film listing.
Is Mother’s Instinct based on a book?
Yes. The film is based on Barbara Abel’s novel Derrière la haine, according to its production company, Freckle Films. A Dorset Council library fiction list also records a book titled Mother’s Instinct by Abel, but that catalog entry does not establish current retail availability or a specific edition. Check the translated title and edition when looking for the book.
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Is it the same film as Duelles?
No. Delhomme’s English-language Mother’s Instinct is distinct from Olivier Masset-Depasse’s earlier Belgian film Duelles, which is also marketed in English as Mothers’ Instinct. They are separate screen adaptations connected to Abel’s novel. Versus Production identifies the earlier film on its official Duelles page.
When was it released, and how long is it?
The film’s production year is 2023, but its public release activity took place in 2024. Freckle Films gives March 27, 2024 as the UK and Ireland release date; that is a regional date, not a worldwide premiere. The BBFC record lists an approximate runtime of 94 minutes. Apple TV gives the runtime as 1 hour 34 minutes in its listing.
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Where can you watch it, and what should viewers know?
NEON’s US distributor page provides watch options, and Apple TV lists the film. Platform availability, rental or purchase choices and prices vary by territory and can change, so check the services available where you live. The BBFC’s UK classification record notes brief strong violence, grief and references to mental-health struggles; other countries may use different classifications.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is this the 2026 Netflix documentary Maternal Instinct?
No. Netflix’s 2026 documentary Maternal Instinct concerns the Taylor Parker true-crime case and is unrelated to Delhomme’s feature. Including the 2023 year, the director’s name or the Chastain–Hathaway cast helps distinguish the two titles.
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