Matrescence

Set in the early 2000s, 'Matrescence' is a poignant drama that follows Heather, a first-time mother struggling to navigate the isolating reality of new parenthood with her newborn son, George.

New mothers are constantly told they should feel elated — overcome with joy at the arrival of their child. But for Heather, nothing feels further from the truth. The days and nights blur together, basic routines feel gruelling, and the baby she longs to bond with cries endlessly in place of silence.

Heather is unraveling, but no one can know. With a home visit from a health visitor looming, she clings to the hope that if she can just get through it, she might survive another unrelenting day. But when she accidentally locks her son inside the house just minutes before the appointment, something inside her snaps.

For the first time, Heather admits the truth: she needs help — and she needs it now.