In Katie Holmes' directorial debut, All We Had, the actress stars as a struggling single mother of a teenage daughter who tries to get her life back on track by moving to a small Midwestern town.

The first trailer for the emotional drama dropped Monday, and gives a stark look into the tumultuous mother-daughter relationship at the heart of Holmes' passion project.

WATCH: Katie Holmes Looks Dramatically Different While Holding a Gun in New On-Set Photo From 'All We Had'

The film, based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Annie Weatherwax, follows Rita (Holmes), an impoverished single mom who is trying to raise her rebellious daughter, Ruthie (Stefania Owen). In spite of all obstacles, Rita takes on multiple jobs in hopes of providing a better life for her daughter.

Holmes recently spoke with ET about directing her first feature film, and what drew her to the emotionally challenging project.

"The mother-daughter theme [of] that unending love that you have for your mother and for your child is universal," Holmes explained, adding that the dynamic between Rita and Ruthie was something "every mom can relate to."

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The Kennedys: After Camelot star also opened up about her decision to try her hand at helming a feature film, explaining that she's "always wanted to direct."

"It's taken a long time to take the risk," she said. "I feel fortunate because I have a wonderful support group around me."

All We Had, which also stars Luke Wilson, Richard Kind Mark Consuelos and Judy Greer, opens in theaters Dec. 9.

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