Professional assassin Latif navigates the chaotic criminal underbelly of Houston while raising three children alone after his wife’s tragic death from an illness in the film Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, directed by Pakistani American writer-director Bassam Tariq and starring Mahershala Ali. The film blends stylized crime tropes, religious themes, and domestic family drama against a neon-lit urban backdrop.
The Plot and Stylized World of Houston’s Criminal Underbelly
The film opens with an unidentified man murdered in a public restroom by Latif, a contract killer played by Mahershala Ali, as a solemn voiceover explains the movie’s title. According to the film’s narrative, the title is rooted in a hadith where Prophet Muhammad responds “Your mother” three times when asked who deserves the best of a man. Unlike typical genre assassins, Latif is a devout Muslim who never uses a gun—relying instead on a saber—and justifies his hits by targeting only individuals he believes society is better off without.
Following his wife’s death, Latif must suddenly care for a baby, a preteen son named Qadir (played by Jahleel Kamara), and a teenage daughter (played by actor Adia) while still pressured by his employer, a Muslim crime boss. The movie presents a wildly stylized vision of Houston featuring bright neon lights and ugly strip malls, where writer-director Bassam Tariq explores a world where houses of sin and houses of worship blur together.
Clashing Factions: Pornography, Faith, and Violence
Latif receives orders from his crime boss employer to protect Hatty, the boss’s nephew and an online pornographer who offers “halal-certified” smut. Abubakr Ali portrays Hatty, who quickly runs afoul of a local Christian pastor engaged in a brutal anti-porn crusade. John Cho plays this fascinating pastor, sporting gold dental grills and a cowboy hat as a gun-loving ex-military man who shares Latif’s belief in the cleansing power of violence.
Tension peaks during an especially chaotic scene at a mosque involving Latif, his children, the crime boss, Hatty, and a vanload of sex workers. Afterward, Latif scolds his teenage daughter for stealing milk from the mosque for the baby, prompting a difficult conversation about the struggles of faith and making dua, or praying.
Did you know? Several years ago, director Bassam Tariq and Mahershala Ali were set to collaborate on a Marvel film about the comic-book antihero Blade. After numerous production delays, Tariq left that project, leading the two to eventually reunite on this more original feature.
From Marvel Delays to an Unconventional Muslim Protagonist
Nearly a decade after becoming the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar for his performance in Moonlight, Mahershala Ali brings quiet depth and lethal action prowess to the role of Latif. While the action sequences rely on familiar hit-man thriller beats, the film leaves room for gentler, humorous moments and grounded subplots.
Giancarlo Esposito delivers a notable performance as a mosque leader who disapproves of Latif’s criminal career and tries to steer him right. In another grounded subplot, Latif drives across Houston searching for breast milk because his baby cannot keep formula down, ultimately receiving help from a lactating sex worker played by Tiffany Boone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother?
The film was written and directed by Pakistani American filmmaker Bassam Tariq.
Who stars in the lead role?
Mahershala Ali stars as Latif, a professional assassin, husband, and devout Muslim father.
What is the weapon of choice for the protagonist?
Unlike typical contract killers in cinema, Latif never uses a gun and uses a saber as his weapon of choice.
Who are some of the notable supporting cast members?
The cast features Jahleel Kamara as Latif’s son Qadir, Abubakr Ali as Hatty, John Cho as a Christian pastor, Adia as Latif’s daughter, Giancarlo Esposito as a mosque leader, and Tiffany Boone as a lactating sex worker.
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d, without any additional comments or text.Worth a look