Lukas Moodysson is one of today’s most popular and successful Swedish directors, known for his socially aware topics, and sometimes disturbing but remarkably focused movies. His main idea is to show the flaws and misery of modern society and damages young people can suffer if not protected, or when left alone without guidance.

He first became known and respected for his movie “Fucking Amal” about suburban life where kids try to find their inspiration and goals, left to their own devices. The flick which caused quite a stir and brought him international fame is “Lilya 4ever” about a young, poor, beautiful girl from Russia, who becomes a victim of brutal sex trafficking organisation. Deeply disturbing movie left no one calm, and Moodysson was satisfied, because his voice was heard.

In his latest movie Moodysson decided to work with famous actors both American and foreign, hiring beautiful, talented American actress Michelle Williams (“Wendy and Lucy”, “I’m not there”, “Land of Plenty”) and Mexican most famous actor (in the last few decades for sure) – sexy and ultra gifted Gael Garcia Bernal (adored by both European and Hollywood directors). Gael Garcia Bernal was spotted in Almodovar’s “La Mala Educacion”, afterwards he graced “Babel” and “Blindness” and today he is the biggest star in “Mammoth”.

This touching feature is a story about Ellen and Leo, a true New York’s power couple, living to work and not vice versa. Their sweet daughter Jackie is mostly spending her days with a nanny called Gloria (who is from Philippines). Ellen starts seeing that she is not a great mother and that she needs to re-evaluate her priorities in life. Leo at one point goes off to Thailand for work, and their whole story starts unveiling and at some point, falling apart.

“Mammoth” is a great story, inspiring and strong, yet disturbing and scary because it opens the door of introspection we are always afraid to walk through. One of the best movies this season, certainly.