This forgettable action thriller is thoroughly derivative.

Lopez and Caro seem very much in sync as they relate the sprawling tale in a disciplined manner that maintains interest and curiosity, if not high levels of downright excitement.

From scene to scene, Lopez and Caro do fill these broad outlines with real feeling, bringing a personal touch to old pulp archetypes.

There’s a lot of regret peppered throughout The Mother, but the biggest one is thinking about what kind of touching, traumatic tale the filmmakers could have birthed.