‘Mother of the Bride’ is a romantic comedy directed by Mark Waters and written by Robin Bernheim. The film, which released on Netflix on May 9, 2024, stars Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, Sean Teale, Chad Michael Murray, Rachael Harris, and Benjamin Bratt. The plot revolves around Dr. Lana Winslow (Brooke Shields), a geneticist who is surprised to discover that her daughter Emma (Miranda Cosgrove) is not only engaged but also planned to marry in just one month. The wedding is scheduled to take place at a stunning resort in Phuket, Thailand. To add to the tension, Lana discovers that Emma’s fiancé, RJ (Sean Teale), is the son of Will Jackson (Benjamin Bratt), her former college sweetheart who broke her heart years ago.
Exploring the Beautiful Filming Locations
The stunning tropical settings in ‘Mother of the Bride’ have left many viewers curious about whether the film was actually shot in Thailand. The movie features picturesque scenes of lush resorts, pristine beaches, and scenic landscapes that truly look like paradise. Let’s dive into the specific locations where this delightful romantic comedy was filmed.
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Thailand
In the movie, Emma informs her mother Lana that her wedding will be held at one of the Anantara Resorts in Phuket, Thailand. Although Discovery Resorts, the company Emma is interning for, is fictional, Anantara Resorts is a real luxury hotel chain owned by Minor Hotels. One of the main filming locations is the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, a beachfront resort nestled on a lush hillside overlooking the stunning Andaman Sea. This resort provided the perfect backdrop for many of the film’s most beautiful scenes, showcasing its serene beaches and luxurious accommodations.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Thailand
Another key location for ‘Mother of the Bride’ is the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. This resort is located at the northern tip of Phuket, about 16 miles north of Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. It features a long stretch of golden beach surrounded by a lush national park, making it an ideal spot for the film’s beachy and romantic scenes. Brooke Shields, who plays Lana, mentioned in an interview that the two Anantara resorts were edited together to appear as one cohesive location in the movie.
Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Many of the shots outside the resort were recorded in the stunning Phang Nga Bay, which lies between the mainland and Phuket Island. One of the first shots depicts an overhead view of Ko Panyi, a floating fishing town in Phang Nga Province. The harbor also has the famed Ko Tapu islet, which became known as “James Bond Island” after appearing in the 1974 Bond film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun.’ The limestone karst towers and gorgeous waters of Phang Nga Bay served as a stunning background for several sequences, including those with Lana, Emma, Will, and RJ sunbathing aboard a yacht.
In one memorable scene, after a fight with Emma, Will takes Lana to a secluded island called Koh Ku Du Yai, located north of Ko Yao Noi in Phang Nga Bay. This serene spot, devoid of cell service, becomes the setting for a heartfelt conversation between Will and Lana as they reconcile their past and present feelings.
Old Phuket Town, Thailand
Although Old Phuket Town only appears briefly in the film, it adds a touch of local charm and authenticity. The movie includes an establishing shot of Dibuk Road at the beginning, and later, a montage of the characters shopping and exploring the town the day before the wedding. Emma and Lana are seen browsing through a boutique, while RJ and Will visit a barbershop. This sequence highlights the vibrant and colorful streets of Old Phuket Town, known for its Sino-Portuguese architecture and bustling markets.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Mother of the Bride
Q: Where was ‘Mother of the Bride’ filmed?
A: ‘Mother of the Bride’ was primarily filmed in various picturesque locations in Thailand. The main filming sites include the luxurious Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, both situated in Phuket. Additional scenes were shot in the scenic Phang Nga Bay and the charming streets of Old Phuket Town.
Q: What are the specific resorts featured in ‘Mother of the Bride’?
A: The movie features two of Anantara’s luxury resorts in Phuket, Thailand. These are the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. These resorts provided the stunning tropical backdrops seen throughout the film.
Q: When was ‘Mother of the Bride’ filmed?
A: Filming for ‘Mother of the Bride’ began on May 22, 2023, and wrapped up by June 30, 2023. The production took place over a little more than a month, utilizing the beautiful summer weather in Thailand to capture the vibrant, sunny scenes.
Q: When was ‘Mother of the Bride’ released?
A: ‘Mother of the Bride’ was released on Netflix on May 9, 2024. The film quickly gained popularity due to its heartwarming story and breathtaking locations.
