In Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master (2012), Freddie Quell’s pathology—his rage, his sexual compulsion, his alcoholism—is traced back to a single, devastating image: the dead, ghost-white body of the woman he calls “Mama.” His entire adult life is a failed attempt to find a new mother in the cult leader Dodd’s wife.

The mother-son relationship is a profound and intricate bond that has been extensively explored in both cinema and literature. This relationship is a fundamental aspect of human experience, influencing the emotional, psychological, and social development of individuals. Through various narratives, artists and writers have delved into the complexities of this relationship, revealing its nuances, challenges, and transformative power. This report will examine the representation of the mother-son relationship in cinema and literature, highlighting its evolution, dynamics, and significance.