Fiona Shaw and Emma Mackey delve into the complexities of their on-screen relationship as mother and daughter in the upcoming film, 'Hot Milk.' The movie explores the intricate dynamic between Rose (Shaw) and Sofia (Mackey) as they journey to a Spanish seaside town seeking a cure for Rose's mysterious illness.

Both actresses have emphasized the universal yet unique nature of mother-daughter relationships. Shaw notes that mothers and daughters are biologically and symbiotically connected, and the film explores how one peels away from one's mother, a process that is both unique to each story and universally relatable.

In 'Hot Milk', Sofia has deferred her studies to care for her mother, described as a "permanent student of anthropology". The film delves into the push and pull of their co-dependent relationship, which is tested when Sofia meets Ingrid (Vicky Krieps), a free-spirited traveler. This encounter awakens Sofia's desires and prompts her to seek independence, creating tension with her controlling mother.

Mackey describes her character's journey as one where she begins to imagine what her life might look like, experiencing desire and feeling truly seen. However, she also acknowledges a darker side to Ingrid, realizing that she is being "toyed with" and that their connection might be a game.

Shaw reflects on the challenges she faced during filming, admitting to feeling tired and questioning her abilities as both a mother and an actress. She describes arriving on set feeling like she had "crash landed," but found strength and resilience in her co-star, Emma Mackey, and the supportive team around her.

The film, directed by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, is based on Deborah Levy's acclaimed 2016 novel of the same name. It received its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2025, where it competed for the Golden Bear. The movie is set to be released in the United States on June 27, 2025, and in the United Kingdom on July 4, 2025.

Critics have noted Fiona Shaw's outstanding performance as Rose, highlighting her ability to portray difficult older women with mysterious pasts. Emma Mackey's portrayal of Sofia has also been praised for capturing the character's fragility and frustration.

'Hot Milk' promises to be a visually rich and emotionally charged drama, exploring themes of identity, repression, desire, and the complexities of family ties. The film is set against the backdrop of a scorching Spanish summer, with simmering tensions threatening to boil over as Sofia's quest for freedom clashes with her mother's controlling nature.