You’ve seen the trailers. Those 1960s suburban outfits are immaculate. Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, both Oscar winners, are basically oozing tension as their characters spiral into a psychological abyss. It’s the kind of movie you want to put on a big screen with a glass of wine in hand. But finding out exactly where to watch Mothers Instinct has turned into a bit of a scavenger hunt for a lot of people. It’s not your typical blockbuster rollout where everything is clear-cut. Honestly, it’s kind of a mess depending on which country you’re standing in right now.
The film is a remake of Olivier Masset-Depasse's 2018 Belgian film, Duelles. It deals with the aftermath of a tragic accident that shatters the bond between two best friends and neighbors. Suspicion, grief, and paranoia take over. It’s heavy. It’s stylish. But the distribution rights were handled in a way that left US audiences waiting much longer than their UK counterparts.
The Streaming Reality for Mothers Instinct
If you are looking for the movie on a major subscription platform like Netflix or Max right this second, you might be disappointed. As of early 2026, the streaming landscape for this specific title is fragmented. In the United States, Mothers Instinct is primarily available through Video on Demand (VOD) services. This means you aren't going to find it "free" with a monthly sub just yet. You have to go the digital rental or purchase route.
Platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (iTunes), and Vudu (Fandango at Home) are the main hubs. Usually, the rental price hovers around $5.99, while buying it keeps it in your library for about $14.99 to $19.99.
👉 See also: The Entire History of You: What Most People Get Wrong About the Grain
Why isn't it on a big streamer? NEON and Studiocanal handled different territories. In the UK, for instance, the film hit theaters much earlier and migrated to streaming services like Sky Cinema and NOW far quicker than it did in North America. If you're in the UK, check your NOW subscription; it's often sitting right there in the "Recently Added" section.
Physical Media and Why It Matters Here
Sometimes digital rights get tangled. If you're a cinephile who cares about bitrates and the actual quality of those 60s set pieces, the Blu-ray is actually available. It’s a bit of a throwback move, but for movies like this—where the color palette is so specific—streaming compression can sometimes ruin the vibe. You can grab the physical copy or the 4K UHD from major retailers like Amazon or Walmart.
Understanding the Delay: What Happened?
People keep asking why a movie starring two of the biggest names in Hollywood didn't get a massive, 4,000-screen theatrical release in the States. It's a valid question. The film finished production a while ago. It was caught in a weird distribution limbo.
✨ Don't miss: Shamea Morton and the Real Housewives of Atlanta: What Really Happened to Her Peach
Smaller distributors often wait for the "perfect window" to release mid-budget adult dramas. They don't want to get crushed by the latest Marvel flick or a Pixar sequel. For Mothers Instinct, the strategy seemed to be a slow burn. They leaned into the international markets first where Chastain and Hathaway have massive draws, and then let the US release trickle out through digital platforms and select indie theaters.
It's a psychological thriller. Those are notoriously hard to market today unless they have a "horror" hook. This is more of a Hitchcockian slow-burn. It's about glances, poisoned tea (maybe?), and the psychological breakdown of a mother's psyche.
International Viewing Options
If you are traveling or living outside the US, your options for where to watch Mothers Instinct change significantly:
🔗 Read more: Who is Really in the Enola Holmes 2 Cast? A Look at the Faces Behind the Mystery
- Canada: Often mirrors the US VOD schedule but occasionally pops up on Crave due to licensing deals.
- Australia: Check Binge or Foxtel Now. It had a decent theatrical run there and moved to these platforms relatively quickly.
- Europe: As mentioned, Studiocanal has a strong grip here. In France and Germany, it's widely available on local digital storefronts.
Is it worth the rental fee?
Honestly, yeah. If you like Gaslight or What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, this is your bread and butter. The chemistry—or lack thereof, as they become enemies—is the whole point. Hathaway plays Celine with a fragile, dangerous energy. Chastain’s Alice is the grounded one who starts to lose her mind. Or is she? That's the hook.
The film doesn't reinvent the wheel. It's a melodrama. It's stylish. It's a bit "camp" at times. But seeing two actors of this caliber go toe-to-toe in a confined suburban setting is worth the six bucks. Just don't expect a fast-paced action movie. It’s all about the simmering resentment.
Checking for Local Listings
While the movie has largely moved out of major chains like AMC or Regal, you can still find it playing at "second-run" theaters or local independent cinemas. These spots often program films that performed well on VOD but didn't get enough love in the initial theatrical window. Use sites like Fandango or Atom Tickets, but specifically look at the "Indie" or "Art House" filters.
A Quick Warning on "Free" Sites
Look, we all know they exist. But for a movie like this, the quality on those "pirate" streaming sites is usually garbage. You lose the sound design, which is crucial for the tension. Plus, the malware risk is just annoying. Stick to the official channels. It supports the creators and ensures you actually see the movie the way the cinematographer intended.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Watch Right Now
- Check your existing subs: If you are in the UK or Australia, search for it on NOW or Binge first.
- Search VOD: Open the Apple TV app or Amazon Prime Video on your smart TV. Search for "Mothers Instinct."
- Compare Prices: Sometimes Google TV will show you a price of $5.99 on one service and $3.99 on another. It's worth the ten seconds to check.
- Check Libraries: If you have an app like Hoopla or Kanopy through your local library, keep an eye out. They often get these high-end dramas a few months after the initial VOD release.
- Set an Alert: If you absolutely refuse to pay for a rental, use a site like JustWatch. You can add it to your watchlist, and it will send you a notification the second it lands on a service like Hulu or Max.
The film is a masterclass in tension between two women who have everything to lose. It's a tragedy wrapped in a thriller. Whether you're watching for the costumes or the twist ending, knowing exactly where to watch Mothers Instinct saves you the headache of scrolling through endless menus only to realize it's not on your favorite app yet. Get the popcorn ready, dim the lights, and prepare for a very uncomfortable suburban dinner party.