Mahershala Ali confronts grief in ‘Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother’

Mahershala Ali stars as a widowed father and hitman in “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother,” an action thriller that premiered on Saturday, September 12, at the Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Bassam Tariq, the film intertwines themes of faith, grief, and family protection.

The two-time Oscar winner portrays Latif, a devout Muslim who raises his children alone following the death of his wife. In Houston, his criminal activities clash with his religious beliefs as he strives to shield his family from encroaching dangers.

The film’s title references a hadith that emphasizes the mother three times before the father when a believer asks who deserves their kindness the most. According to Bassam Tariq, this reference places motherhood at the center of a narrative rooted in African American Muslim culture.

This film marks the reunion of Mahershala Ali and Bassam Tariq after their previously aborted collaboration on Marvel’s “Blade” project. Tariq, who also serves as the screenwriter, departed from that production before its development underwent significant changes.

John Cho plays a former soldier turned pastor in Texas. The cast also includes Giancarlo Esposito, Tramell Tillman, Tiffany Boone, Abubakr Ali, and Laith Nakli.

Amazon MGM Studios is set to release “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother” in U.S. theaters on September 25, 2026.