Shriver dismantles the myth of unconditional maternal love. What if a mother feels no bond with her son? What if the son senses that void and fills it with nihilism? The novel’s power lies in its ambiguity: Is Kevin evil by nature, or a reflection of his mother’s rejection? The answer is both, and neither. It is a terrifying portrait of a relationship where biology offers no salvation.

- Based on a true story, this film narrates the journey of Chris Gardner, a struggling single father, and his son. While not exclusively focused on the mother-son dynamic, it showcases the absence of a mother figure and the impact on their lives.

in Forrest Gump, who dedicates her life to ensuring her son's success despite his challenges.

- François Truffaut's semi-autobiographical classic explores the tumultuous relationship between Antoine Doinel (played by Truffaut himself) and his neglectful mother. The film masterfully captures the struggles of adolescence and the yearning for maternal love and understanding.