Mama

With the stress of financial difficulties, Jeffrey kills his estranged wife and then proceeds to kill his children when he takes them into the woods. However, a supernatural force interrupts him and he is killed. Five years later, the children are found after habiting in the woods for this time. They are first placed under psychiatric care in which it is concluded that the girls have created a guardian figure who they call Mama. Their uncle is then granted custody of them along with his partner, Annabel (Jessica Chastain). However, when several mysterious instances occur, they cannot help but wonder whether Mama is just in the children’s imagination or whether she is a much more powerful force than could be imagined.

Recent Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain is likeable and great as the resilient mother figure and the children, played by Isabelle Nelisse and Megan Charpentier, are both endearing yet sometimes terrifying at the same time. Mama is another fine example of Guillermo del Tero’s (Pan’s Labyrinth, Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark) wonderful ability to make the fantastical scary emphasised through his nerving visual style. There are several moments of unique cinematography and editing that make the film stand out from other films from the horror genre. Looking for a fright? This film is suspenseful and creepy. Mama is certain to send the shivers down your spine as you watch Mama’s jealousy and wrath evolve.

Chloe Haynes