Maternity

About This Movie

Maternity (1917) presents a gripping, somber exploration of motherhood through the eyes of Ellen Locke, a woman haunted by familial loss. The film has this palpable tension, especially as her husband's emotional turmoil unfolds, caught between past loves and present fears. It captures the societal pressures of childbearing during that era, blending the personal with the universal. The performances, though from an era of silent film, carry a weight that still resonates—Ellen's internal struggle is portrayed with a depth that feels quite contemporary. Its pacing ebbs and flows, reflecting the characters' emotional states, making it feel immersive yet poignant.

Maternity is relatively scarce in collector circles, likely due to its silent film status and the passage of time. There are few known prints, and it often surfaces in niche screenings or specialized archives. Collectors tend to appreciate its thematic depth and historical context, which marks it as a distinctive piece from the silent era that explores maternal anxiety in a way that's rarely depicted in films of its time.