"Mother's Day" received significant criticism for its depiction of violence, particularly violence against women. Kevin Thomas of the "Los Angeles Times" wrote: "Any traces of talent and dark humor that might show through "Mother's Day" are drowned by the cynicism and horrendousness of the entire enterprise." Roger Ebert famously despised the film, giving it zero stars in a review and saying how disgusted he was at its violence, gore, rape and torture during "Sneak Previews", writing "The question of why anyone of any age would possibly want to see this movie remains without an answer." Ted Serrill of "The Central New Jersey Home News" criticized the "cartoonish acting and awkward camera set-ups," as well as its failure "to generate terror, much less suspense." Catherine Chapin of "The Charlotte Observer" panned the film for its violent content, writing that it "makes censorship seem like a good idea," and that it "has no socially redeeming warning message."