Director Bassam Tariq and actor Mahershala Ali have completed their long-anticipated film project, though not quite in the form originally planned. “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday evening, with a theatrical release scheduled for September 25. The film tells the story of Latif, a religiously observant Muslim assassin portrayed by Ali, who flees alongside his three children after his wife’s unexpected passing. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Latif encounters Hwan, a militant Christian cult leader portrayed by John Cho, setting off a chain of dangerous events.
The project’s genesis traces back to 2021, when Tariq was hired to direct Marvel Studios’ “Blade” film with Ali in the lead role. However, production delays prompted Tariq’s departure in 2022, though he remained attached as an executive producer. The superhero adaptation eventually stalled completely, with Ali confirming its cancellation in July 2026. Rather than shelve the combat training Ali had undertaken, the actor channeled those skills into this independent thriller, which explores themes of faith, family bonds, and moral complexity through intense action sequences.
Following the premiere screening, both Tariq and Ali participated in a discussion with audiences at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Ali praised the collaborative environment on set, while newcomer Adia earned recognition for her compelling portrayal as Ali’s teenage daughter. The film showcases Ali’s martial arts proficiency, with stunt coordinator Adam Hart receiving particular commendation for developing the action choreography within a compressed timeframe during the shooting schedule.
Originally reported by Variety →
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