'Because We Are Too Many' Review: A Raw and Remarkable Motherhood Drama Set in Lockdown Glasgow
- Romey Norton
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - April 9, 2025
Because We Are Too Many is an emotionally charged, fiercely honest indie gem that peels back the layers of single motherhood, neurodiversity, and personal trauma. Written, directed by, and starring Eve Natasha Leonard-Walsh, this semi-autobiographical drama brings a fresh, deeply personal voice to British cinema, set against the hauntingly quiet backdrop of pandemic-era Glasgow.
At the heart of Because We Are Too Many is Morgan, a mother doing her best to care for her autistic son while navigating the pressures of lockdown, isolation, and memories she’d rather forget. This story is so striking that Leonard-Walsh doesn’t just play the lead; she casts her real-life son, Ronin Leonard-Walsh, as her on-screen child. That lived-in authenticity bleeds into every frame, making the bond between mother and son feel tender and heartbreakingly raw.
The film skilfully blends present-day struggles with flashbacks from Morgan’s past, offering a layered look at how childhood trauma can echo across generations. It’s rare to see a film tackle motherhood, autism, poverty, and trauma with this much honesty and heart—especially from a young girl's and a grown woman’s perspective. Leonard-Walsh’s performance is raw and fearless, capturing the exhaustion, frustration, and fierce love that come with caregiving in a world that often looks the other way. You can feel how overwhelmed she is and how stretched she feels, yet hopeful for a brighter future.
Because We Are Too Many captures the eerie stillness of lockdown Glasgow in all its gritty beauty. Empty streets, dimly lit interiors, and moody grey skies create an atmosphere that mirrors Morgan’s emotional state. The grey cinematography of a cold and wet Glasgow just adds to her feelings of hopelessness and isolation. The film has a bleakness to it which might depress your mood a little - so this is not a film to watch if you’re wanting a laugh or to life your spirits.
The minimalist score adds a haunting layer to the narrative without overpowering it, letting the silence and space speak volumes. Every element feels purposefully stripped down, putting the focus exactly where it belongs: on the characters and their emotional truth.
While the story is open, honest, and reflects a very real, modern Britain, I wanted this to be a documentary. I wanted in-depth explanations as to why she wasn’t getting the help, as well as interviews with professionals and her family. Maybe that’s the point of the film, to engage curiosity and a desire to know these things.
Honest, human, and utterly captivating, Because We Are Too Many is a standout example of independent British storytelling. It’s the kind of film that may not shout the loudest but speaks the truest. If you’re looking for a deeply personal drama that doesn’t pull punches and delivers emotional impact with grace, this one’s for you. Also, the accents are pretty strong; if you’re not used to strong Scottish accents, you might want to add the subtitles.
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Because We Are Too Many is streaming on Prime Video
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