Other Mommy Movie Review: A decent, yet flawed, horror film that will leave you unsettled

VERIFIED

SeenTick Critique • 2026 • Cinema

3.0 /5.0

Decent Watch

CRITIC VERDICT

"A decent, yet flawed, horror film that will leave you unsettled."

HIGHLIGHTS

• Chastain's captivating performance
• Savage's effective use of the uncanny valley
• Tense, unsettling atmosphere

CONSIDERATIONS

• Pacing issues in the second half
• Supporting cast underutilized
• Convenient plot devices

In "Other Mommy", Rob Savage crafts a harrowing and unsettling horror film that delves into the complexities of maternal relationships and the blurred lines between reality and the subconscious. Jessica Chastain stars as Bela, a young woman navigating the treacherous waters of grief and identity, as she forms an increasingly disturbing bond with a sinister entity that bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased mother.

Inside the Realm of the Repressed: Bela's Descent into Madness

As Bela's interactions with the entity escalate, Savage masterfully ratchets up the tension, plunging the audience into a world of eerie unease and primal fear. Chastain delivers a captivating performance, her Bela oscillating between vulnerability and defiance as she grapples with the dark forces that surround her. The supporting cast, including Jay Duplass and Arian Moayed, add depth to the narrative, but their characters' roles are somewhat one-dimensional, serving primarily to underscore Bela's growing desperation.

Read More: Gandhari Movie Review: An Emotionally Resonant Action With Memorable Screen Chemistry

The Sinister Echoes of a Familiar Face

One of the most striking aspects of "Other Mommy" is its use of the uncanny valley, where the entity's resemblance to Bela's mother becomes a potent tool for emotional manipulation. This eerie doppelganger serves as a manifestation of Bela's repressed emotions, threatening to consume her at every turn. Savage's direction is at its most effective when exploiting this concept, creating an atmosphere of creeping dread that seeps into the viewer's psyche.

A Second Half That Falters Under the Weight of Its Own Tension

As the film hurtles towards its climax, the pacing becomes increasingly erratic, with Savage struggling to balance the escalating horror with a sense of narrative coherence. While the first half of "Other Mommy" is a masterclass in building tension, the second act falters, relying too heavily on convenient plot devices to propel the story forward. This misstep serves as a reminder that, even in the realm of horror, pacing and narrative flow are crucial components of a well-crafted thriller.

A Decent Watch, But One That Will Leave You Sleeping with the Lights On

In conclusion, "Other Mommy" is a decent, if not outstanding, horror film that will appeal to fans of the genre looking for a tense, unsettling experience. While it stumbles in its second half, the film's first act is a compelling exploration of the complexities of maternal relationships and the human psyche. With a talented cast and a talented director at the helm, "Other Mommy" is a worthwhile watch, but one that will leave you sleeping with the lights on.

Also Read: Wildwood Movie Review: A cinematic triumph that will leave audiences spellbound and enchanted