Men Who ‘Babysit’ Their Kids: The Real Horror in All Her Fault?

Sarah Snook, known for her role in Succession, stars in the gripping TV adaptation of the bestselling novel, All Her Fault, by Andrea Mara. This series also features Dakota Fanning and dives into the distressing narrative of child abduction. However, it uniquely tackles the complexities of motherhood and societal expectations.

Overview of All Her Fault

Marissa Irvine, portrayed by Snook, is a wealthy manager who discovers her son, Milo, is missing after a playdate. This shocking incident sparks a desperate hunt for the child. Throughout the investigation, Marissa faces harsh scrutiny from law enforcement and family. Questions arise about her parenting choices and whether she should have been more vigilant.

Motherhood and Societal Judgment

What truly distinguishes All Her Fault is its candid exploration of motherhood. The series presents the sexist pressures mothers encounter, especially those balancing careers with parenting. Marissa grapples with the blame she receives, while her husband, Peter, played by Jake Lacy, remains unexamined in his role.

• Marissa faces judgment from fellow mothers at the school gates.
• Her husband shirks responsibility, deferring to her even when “babysitting.”
• Audiences witness the painful expectations on working mothers.

Dakota Fanning’s character, Jenny, also embodies these struggles. As a publishing executive, she navigates the demands of her job while managing her personal life. She experiences shame for balancing work and motherhood, particularly when confronted by peers and social norms.

Impactful Themes

A memorable line from Jenny encapsulates the show’s essence: “I’m tired of being amazing. I don’t want to be amazing anymore.” This sentiment reflects the overwhelming pressure on mothers to maintain perfection in both their careers and their roles at home.

All Her Fault effectively critiques how societal expectations disproportionately burden women. The title itself suggests that responsibility, guilt, and shame often fall solely on mothers, overshadowing the parenting roles of fathers. As the narrative unfolds, it poses an important question about the biases deeply ingrained in societal views of motherhood.

Through its striking storyline and well-developed characters, All Her Fault stands out as more than a mere thrill ride, delving into the real horrors of motherhood amid the chaos of modern parenting.