Mafia Mamma could have been a game-changer, a brilliant concept that throws an unsuspecting wife, mother, and frustrated businesswoman into the thrilling world of an Italian crime family. Unfortunately, despite the incredible performance by Toni Collette in the lead role, it ends up being a dish with too many ingredients. That’s not to say that general audiences won’t enjoy it, but it feels like a story we’ve seen one too many times before. You’ll definitely have a few laughs, appreciate the beautiful Roman scenery, and cheer for Collette’s success, but it lacks the wickedly smart edge that a premise like this deserves. It’s definitely not on the same level as Married to the Mob.
Collette portrays Kristin Balbano Jordan, an American woman going through a major life crisis. Her son is leaving for college, she catches her husband cheating, and she faces constant sexism and rejection at work. It’s time for a change, and she’s about to get one she never could have imagined.
Upon discovering that her late grandfather, Don Giuseppe Balbano, was the head of Italy’s Balbano Mafia clan, Kristin is thrust into a world she never expected. After surviving an assassination attempt at his funeral, she learns that she’s been chosen to take over the family business. It’s a classic “fish out of water” scenario.
Naturally, Kristin is appalled by the idea, and it’s as absurd as it sounds. However, the script by Michael J. Feldman and Debbie Jhoon, based on a story by Amanda Sthers, tries to make it plausible. Kristin is guided by Bianca, the Consigliere played by the always-welcome Monica Bellucci, who uses cunning arguments and wise advice to empower the new female Don. The story mixes Italian Mafia stereotypes with a dreamy romance, as Kristin finds herself drawn to a man named Lorenzo. Along the way, she outsmarts the mob boys and turns the family’s illegal activities into something positive.
In the hands of director Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight), the film becomes a mainstream feminist comedy, thanks to the talents of Collette and Bellucci. They elevate the material and make it enjoyable for its 100-minute runtime. Sophia Nomvete also shines in an Italian courtroom scene, and Alfonso Perugini and Francesco Mastroianni bring charm as Kristin’s new bodyguards.
If you’re not expecting too much, Mafia Mamma might satisfy your craving for a standard studio comedy. It’s forgettable but harmless, and it’s released by Bleecker Street. The film hits theaters on April 14, 2023.
