Where to Watch
Checking availability in your country…
Cast
Leïla Bekhti
as Esther Perez
Jonathan Cohen
as Roland Perez (Adult)
Joséphine Japy
as Litzie Gozlan
Sylvie Vartan
as Sylvie Vartan
Jeanne Balibar
as Mrs. Fleury
Lionel Dray
as Maklouf Perez
Anne Le Ny
as Mrs. Vergepoche
Milo Machado-Graner
as Jacques Perez (12-17 years old)
Naïm Naji
as Roland Perez (5-7 years old)
Iliana Belkhadra
as Nicole Perez (15-20 years old)
Movie Info & Details
Release Year2025
Runtime1h 42m
LanguageFrench
CertificationNR
GenresDrama, Comedy
Votes260
DirectorKen Scott
WritersKen Scott
TypeFeature Film
Rating7.0 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsOnce Upon My Mother
About Once Upon My Mother
In 1963, Esther gives birth to Roland, the youngest of a large family. Roland is born with a club foot that prevents him from standing. Against everyone's advice, she promises her son that he will walk like the others and that he will have a fabulous life. From then on, Esther will do everything in her power to keep this promise. Through decades of trials and miracles of life, this film is the story of a true, funny and moving story, that of an incredible destiny and the greatest love there is: that of a mother for her child.
Directed by Ken Scott, Once Upon My Mother leans on a strong ensemble — Leïla Bekhti, Jonathan Cohen, Joséphine Japy — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2025.
Read More on the Blog
You Might Also Like
More like Once Upon My Mother, picked from what people are watching
6.2My Own Love Song
2010 6.2
A wheelchair-bound singer and her best friend embark on a roadtrip to Memphis.
My Own Love Song
2010
6.6Toni
2023 6.6
Toni has spent her entire life putting other people’s needs before her own. When she was 20 years old, she was pushed by her mother to join a TV singing competition, becoming a national star. Twenty years and five children later, she is a full-time mom who spends all her time and effort on raising her teenage kids. As she helps her children plan their future after graduation, she begins to imagine what her life could be if - for once - she did what she really wanted. Will she be able to turn her life around and dare to be something other than a mother and a daughter?
Toni
2023
6.8Macadam Stories
2015 6.8
Improbable encounters bring tenderness, laughter and compassion to a world of urban alienation.
Macadam Stories
2015
7.5Fatherhood
2021 7.5
A widowed new dad copes with doubts, fears, heartache and dirty diapers as he sets out to raise his daughter on his own. Inspired by a true story.
Fatherhood
2021
6.7Other People's Children
2022 6.7
Rachel loves her life, her students, her friends, her ex, her guitar lessons. When she falls in love with Ali, she grows close to his 4-year-old daughter, Leila. She tucks her in, looks after her, and loves her like a mother... which she isn’t. Not yet. Rachel is 40. The desire for a family of her own is growing stronger, and the clock is ticking. Is it too late?
Other People's Children
2022
6.5Young Mothers
2025 6.5
Housed in a shelter for young mothers, Jessica, Perla, Julia, Ariane, and Naïma, all of whom have grown up in difficult circumstances, struggle to obtain a better life for themselves and their children.
Young Mothers
2025
User Reviews
7.0
Community rating
Loading reviews…
From the Blog
All Posts
News
Lanterns OTT Release Date: DC’s Green Lantern Series Hits JioHotstar Aug 17
DC’s Green Lantern series Lanterns arrives on JioHotstar in India on August 17, 2026. Here is where to watch it, who is in it, and why it is one of the year’s biggest superhero shows.
News
Michael OTT Release Date: The Michael Jackson Biopic Streams August 29
The Michael Jackson biopic arrives on JioHotstar on August 29, 2026. Here is where to watch it, what you need, and why it is one of the year’s biggest music films.
News
Jana Nayagan OTT Release Date: When Vijay’s Film Streams on ZEE5
Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan is headed to ZEE5 for its digital premiere. Here is the latest on its OTT release date and where to watch, updated as news is confirmed.