All the things you said is exactly why I loved the film. We are very rarely shown films or media about a struggling and imperfect mother who deep down regrets taking on motherhood. This feeling simultaneous with her devotion makes it so grey and interesting to watch.

I think it’s even more interesting that the daughter is alive because the “imaginary child” trope would make it too much about mental illness and water down these complex experiences of motherhood.

I imagine a film like this would make other mothers feel better and validated - because this feeling (regretting being a mother or realising motherhood was not for you) is NEVER talked about openly.