Other Mommy Review: Jessica Chastain Stars in a Demonic Double Horror Film
Universal's horror release Other Mommy, starring Jessica Chastain and directed by Rob Savage, was withheld from critics until its opening day. Based on Josh Malerman's novel Incidents Around the House, the film features dual lead performances and numerous jump scares but leans heavily into studio horror tropes rather than quiet psychological dread.
Key points
- Other Mommy was withheld from critics until opening day by Universal.
- The film is based on Josh Malerman's novel Incidents Around the House.
- It stars Jessica Chastain as a working mother and her demonic double.
- Directed by Rob Savage, the film relies on frequent jump scares and body horror.
What Happened
The pre-Halloween horror film Other Mommy generated viral buzz with a limb-bending trailer that accumulated millions of views on YouTube and widespread social media attention. Universal released the film exclusively attached to the second biggest film of the year. However, the studio withheld reviews from critics until the day the movie opened in cinemas.
Based on Josh Malerman's novel Incidents Around the House, the film is adapted by screenwriter Nathan Elston and directed by British filmmaker Rob Savage. The story follows a working mother named Ursula, played by Jessica Chastain, whose young daughter Bela forms a secret bond with a demonic double that impersonates the mother to gain entry into her heart.
Reaction
According to reviews, the film is a messy mix of unnerving imagery and standard funhouse horror rather than a nightmarish triumph. Critics note that while Jessica Chastain delivers an elegant and icy dual lead performance, director Rob Savage relies excessively on fast-paced jump scares and gloopy body horror, altering the bleaker ending of the original novel into a more conventional supernatural finale.
Background
The film's marketing campaign included high-profile trailers and viral moments, capitalizing on pre-ticket sales expected to win the weekend box office with over twenty million dollars. Director Rob Savage previously directed the Zoom-based horror film Host and the Stephen King adaptation The Boogeyman.
What's Next
Other Mommy is currently playing in cinemas worldwide.
Why it matters
The release of Other Mommy highlights contemporary studio horror marketing strategies, including withholding reviews to protect opening weekend ticket sales, and demonstrates how popular literary horror is adapted for mainstream cinematic audiences.
What we know
- Other Mommy was withheld from critics until its opening day.
- The film is based on Josh Malerman's novel Incidents Around the House.
- Jessica Chastain stars in the dual lead role of Ursula and her demonic double.
- Rob Savage directed the film, which was released by Universal.