By: Leigh Anderson
Updated: Feb. 12, 2021
Originally Published: Feb. 28, 2015
In the latest episode of ‘The Slap,’ a somber atmosphere permeates as we delve into themes of grief and loss. The third episode opens with a flashback revealing the moments right before Mark (Zachary Quinto) strikes young Oliver (Dylan Schombing). This time, the narrative is seen through the eyes of Lila (Uma Thurman). As she witnesses “the whole bizarre scene”—notably, Daniel (Peter Sarsgaard) getting cozy with the babysitter beneath the stairs—Lila grapples with the question of why anyone would choose to enter a relationship or have children. She finds herself reluctantly infatuated with Noah (Penn Badgley), a young celebrity with a band and an unexpectedly sharp intuition.
During a lunch meeting with her friends, Mia (Thandie Newton) and Sarah (Melissa George), Lila can’t help but feel the tension. Sarah is positively ecstatic about Mark’s recent arrest and dismisses her friends’ concerns lightly. Lila quips later that Sarah is like a modern Joan of Arc, drawing a sharp contrast to Mark’s own self-image as a valiant warrior.
Lila pays a visit to her mother, Grace (Blythe Danner), a psychiatrist with an aristocratic English accent and a cool demeanor. Grace, who uses a cane under the guise of a sprained ankle, brushes off Lila’s complaints about feeling unwell. When Grace hints at the possibility of pregnancy, Lila quickly rejects the notion. She takes her mother’s advice to heart about keeping quiet regarding Daniel’s near-infidelity, but still seeks him out when Mia is away to deliver a veiled warning about not jeopardizing “their” family.
At Noah’s band performance that evening, Lila feels nauseous in a grimy bathroom, leading her to suspect Grace was right about her condition. A pregnancy test confirms her fears.
Later, Lila invites Noah to dinner at Grace’s, where Grace announces she’s sold her apartment and accepted a teaching position in Edinburgh—news that deeply disturbs Lila. The following morning, Noah confronts Lila about her pregnancy and expresses his desire for marriage and fatherhood, even suggesting the name Olive. Lila firmly shuts him down, declaring, “I don’t want this, and I don’t want you.”
Seeking support, Lila approaches Mia for guidance on an abortion, but Mia suggests she take a moment to think it over. We gain insight into Lila’s strained relationship with her mother; Grace never initially wanted custody of her, but following her father’s death during their divorce proceedings, she had no choice.
An unguarded comment from Mia about her own child prompts Lila to delve into Grace’s files, where she uncovers the devastating truth: her mother is battling an aggressive form of brain cancer. The teaching position in Edinburgh? A ruse to cover up her treatment.
With the weight of impending motherhood, her mother’s illness, and concerns for Daniel and Mia heavy on her mind, Lila reaches out to Sarah, apologizing for her earlier harsh remarks. “The way you love your son is truly beautiful,” she admits. She gifts Grace a suitcase—a poignant symbol allowing her mother to maintain her secret, while Grace acknowledges Lila’s pregnancy.
In a bar later, Lila leans into Noah for comfort, seeking solace she can’t find with Grace. She resolves to embrace her pregnancy and the journey ahead with him.
This episode masterfully intertwines melodrama with profound grief, showcasing the bittersweet reality of parenting—the understanding that joy is often accompanied by sorrow. For more insights on parenting and family dynamics, check out this related post on our blog. And if you’re considering home insemination, you can find trusted resources, one of which is available at Make a Mom for reliable at-home insemination kits. Additionally, March of Dimes offers fantastic guidance on fertility treatment options.
In summary, ‘The Slap’ deftly explores the emotional complexities of relationships, motherhood, and the inevitable intertwining of joy and loss.
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