A review by Brooks Rich
In 2013 when this film came out I was working as an usher at a theater. This film looked like typical modern horror that's nothing but jump scares and poor acting. But the consensus from the audience coming out of Mama was, "that was actually really good" or "that was surprisingly creepy." So I clocked out one night and went to the midnight showing of Mama. The consensus was right. This is a deeply underrated horror film from Andy Muschietti, the director of IT Chapter 1 and 2.
Mama has a fairy tale feel about it. It eve starts with the words "once upon a time" and the early shots have a dreamlike quality to them. The film is about two girls whose father murders their mother and then takes them to a remote cabin. Before he can finish them off he is killed by an unseen presence. Years later the girls are found and are practically feral. They claim to have been raised by an invisible being they call Mama.
Ok so yes this film isn't breaking any new ground. But sometimes a horror film can just do things right and deliver some creepiness. Mama does simple but effective scares, whether it's just a quick glimpse of something or a tug of war between a little girl and an invisible presence. Muschietti is finding himself here, learning about the proper pacing of a horror film and how to lead up to a jump scare.
There is a saying that less is more. Sometimes Mama's effects don't hold up but the design of Mama herself works. This is a fun movie but not a spectacular film. No one is going to say this is one of the best horror films ever made. But it is better than it's reputation and deserves some more watches. So if you're looking for spooky films this Halloween, check out Mama.
In 2013 when this film came out I was working as an usher at a theater. This film looked like typical modern horror that's nothing but jump scares and poor acting. But the consensus from the audience coming out of Mama was, "that was actually really good" or "that was surprisingly creepy." So I clocked out one night and went to the midnight showing of Mama. The consensus was right. This is a deeply underrated horror film from Andy Muschietti, the director of IT Chapter 1 and 2.
Mama has a fairy tale feel about it. It eve starts with the words "once upon a time" and the early shots have a dreamlike quality to them. The film is about two girls whose father murders their mother and then takes them to a remote cabin. Before he can finish them off he is killed by an unseen presence. Years later the girls are found and are practically feral. They claim to have been raised by an invisible being they call Mama.
Ok so yes this film isn't breaking any new ground. But sometimes a horror film can just do things right and deliver some creepiness. Mama does simple but effective scares, whether it's just a quick glimpse of something or a tug of war between a little girl and an invisible presence. Muschietti is finding himself here, learning about the proper pacing of a horror film and how to lead up to a jump scare.
There is a saying that less is more. Sometimes Mama's effects don't hold up but the design of Mama herself works. This is a fun movie but not a spectacular film. No one is going to say this is one of the best horror films ever made. But it is better than it's reputation and deserves some more watches. So if you're looking for spooky films this Halloween, check out Mama.
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