After writing and directing Dangerous Liaisons (2022), Rachel Suissa’s first feature, she started her own production company R.A.D. Pictures which allowed her 100% control over her second film, Greek Mothers Never Die. As this is her story, inspired by her own life, that control was important. Working on a much tighter budget, having to speak multiple languages, and being a producer, writer, and actor took a lot of mental gymnastics on her part during the 17 days of filming.
At its core, the story is about the relationship between mothers and daughters. Using a bit of creative licensing Suissa has added caricatures of a Greek family that are familiar to me from My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Mama Mia! franchises.
Ella (Abby Miner) is the only child of Jack (Cater Sirianni) and Despina (Rachel Suissa). On one of her earlier birthdays, her mother introduces Ella to Nick (Simone Rérolle). Years later Nick goes back to New York, Jack passes and Greece is in political unrest. Despina decides they will move to America, specifically a small town in Florida that embraces the Greek heritage of its residents so much that street signs are in English and Greek. Ella is turning 26 and still lives the life her mother plans for her. No longer believing Despina’s claims of having a heart attack as more than manipulation, everyone is surprised when she does die from one. After the funeral, Ella learns that even though dead, her mother has not left her. Will she be haunted for the rest of her life? Did Despina have unfinished business? Are the Greek gods up to one of their favorite pastimes and intervening in the lives of humans?
Independent films are important and deserve support. It is also something I chose to factor in when giving my thoughts on a piece. Yes, it was obvious there was not a huge budget behind the film, this came from no major names in the cast, wardrobe not being high dollar labels, sets being true to real life, and not designed. The filming itself by cinematographer Anglica Perez-Castro was beautiful. Crisp, clear images, that make me want to travel to Greece and to this town in Florida. While the story was predictable, it was well-written and enjoyable.
If you are looking for a light, rom-com, mother/daughter piece to watch, I do suggest checking this one out.
Director: Rachel Suissa
Cast: Abby Miner, Carter Sirianni, Simone Rérolle, Wade Hunt Williams, Sophia Sutton
Selig Rating: 3 stars
Runtime: 2h 5m
On Demand: May 9, 2025
Genre(s): Comedy, Drama
Trailer: Greek Mothers Never Die Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
