had higher expectations for Other Mommy, directed by Rob Savage and written by Nathan Elston, than the film ultimately delivered. Given the cast, which includes Academy Award-winning actress Jessica Chastain and filmmaker and actor Jay Duplass, this film was disappointing, to say the least.
The premise is that an entity worms her way into a family, targeting Bela, a precocious eight-year-old girl whose mother is seemingly being replaced by “Other Mommy.” Unlike her real mother, “Other Mommy” can fly, is always available to play, and can take Bela, played by Arabella Olivia Clark, to the beach.
Bela’s father, Russ, played by Duplass, is a stay-at-home dad, while her mother, Ursula, played by Chastain, is a career woman. Apparently, that arrangement isn’t enough for Bela or Russ, who want more of Ursula’s time and attention. Ursula’s ambition is portrayed as sinister, even though she is supporting the entire family. Heaven forbid Bela should have two parents working outside the home and have to attend daycare!
The entity becomes increasingly mischievous, pressuring Bela to let “Other Mommy” into her heart. Her ultimate goal is to find a host who will allow her to experience what it means to be human. As the family grows more desperate to rid their lives of the evil being, they turn to Ursula’s mother, played by Karen Allen, whose character is known for consulting mediums and communicating with the dead. Unfortunately, their ghostbusting efforts fail, leaving the family to fend for themselves against the increasingly hostile mommy spirit.
The director attempts to build suspense with a chase scene through a children’s ball pit, but the sequence quickly becomes ridiculous. Primary-colored balls appear everywhere, often without any apparent logic, making the scene feel more indulgent than frightening. Gory special effects also make an appearance, but they do little to heighten the suspense.
The film ends with a big reveal that has been foreshadowed throughout, making it anything but surprising. I was left wondering whether the central theme is that mothers should feel guilty for pursuing their ambitions or whether the story is meant to reflect the particular anxieties of a working mother. Either way, the film never quite makes its point convincingly.
The acting cannot save this film. In fact, Chastain’s performance is almost unrecognizable. Her portrayal of Ursula feels flat, dull, and difficult to relate to. Duplass plays a doormat of a husband without much range. Allen and Clark deliver the strongest performances, bringing some much-needed interest to their characters.
If you’re looking for a genuinely scary psychological horror thriller this season, save your time and money. Other Mommy is one to skip.
For KSQD’s Film Gang: Susan Lovegren