She Raised Me – Review and Summary
The complicated relationship between a puppet mom, her son, and her son’s new boyfriend is explored.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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“She Raised Me” Film Details
- Director(s): Ben Lewis
- Writer(s): Ben Lewis
- Distributor: NewFest
- Runtime: 0 Hour(s) and 13 Minutes
- Public Release Date (Film Festival – NewFest [More Coverage Of The 2025 Film Festival]): October 9, 2025
- Genre(s): Comedy, Crime, Fantasy
- Content Rating: Not Rated
- Primary Language: English
- Official Site Link
Movie Summary
Louie is a playwright with mommy issues, just like his boyfriend Xander. But, unlike Louie, Xander’s mom is the famous puppet, Marilyn Muff. Seeing this woman, one of Louie’s favorite actresses, turns off Xander and leaves Louie enamored in ways that makes Xander growing distant, maybe wanting to break up, a threat Louie will not stand for.
Cast and Characters
Louie (Ben Lewis)
- Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
- Character Summary: A playwright trying to get their career some momentum, while dating Xander is a dream, and a surprise to some, Xander being Marilyn’s son is a shock that Louie can’t get past.
Xander (Zane Phillips)
- Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
- Character Summary: A bit superficial, but trying to expand his horizons, Xander grew up wealthy and hot and is trying to find a partner who doesn’t learn who his mom is and then focus on her rather than him.
Marilyn Muff (Rosie O’Donnell)
- Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
- Character Summary: A famous puppet and Alexander, Xander’s, mother, through means not explained, that he portrays as a narcissist, but Louie just sees an icon.
What To Expect In “She Raised Me” (Not Rated) – Content Overview
- Dialog:
- Cursing: Occasional
- Graphic Imagery or Violence:
- Domestic Violence: Yes
- Gore/ Blood/ Body Horror: Bleeding
- Miscellaneous:
- Drinking: Yes
Review and Commentary
On The Fence
- It doesn’t go where you expect it to – in the best and worst ways
Overall
Our Rating (78/100): Mixed (Divisive)
The plus and minus of She Raised Me is that it doesn’t go where you expect it to. Marilyn, being someone’s parent, isn’t made into a joke or explored. In general, this doesn’t lean into the silly comedy as much as it could, though it does play up Marilyn’s last name being Muff at times, and there are other innuendos. Instead, Louie’s need for success is met with Xander’s issues with his mom, and later, Louie’s need to remain with Xander because he wants that connection with Marilyn on a personal and professional level.
In some ways, this should be deserving of praise for not going down the expected road, but the execution doesn’t necessarily leave you wanting more, even with the short ending on a cliffhanger.
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