Hi all! 

Today I am reviewing new-release, horror: Other Mommy. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. Bela, an 8-year-old girl living in a home with marital problems, confronts a sinister presence, whom she calls “Other Mommy.” Without further ado, let’s get into it!

If you wish to read my review of ‘Incidents Around The House’ by Josh Malerman, please click here. This is the book Other Mommy was adapted from. 

Note: This post is in partnership with JustWatch. 

WHAT WORKED: 

Jessica Chastain was an absolute standout in this role – both as Other Mommy and regular Mommy. She switched between the two roles seamlessly. The physicality of her performance alone is worth the watch. Moreover, there is a real grandiosity to this film I wasn’t expecting. Everything is larger than life. I was truly impressed by the breadth and scope of it all. One minute we are in an ballpit ocean. Next minute there are balloons all over the floor and ceiling. The director, Rob Savage, had a clear vision of how he wanted the movie to feel. We are seeing things through a child’s perspective and in her mind, the world is an intense, overwhelming funhouse of terrors. For that, I appreciate the intent. Additionally, it touched me. The emotional aspects of the novel translated well. Traumatic childhood? Sadly relatable! 

WHAT DIDN’T WORK: 

If you haven’t read the book, you will probably enjoy the film a lot more than I did. Incidents Around The House scared the life out of me. After learning the screen adaptation would have over 50 jumpscares, I was expecting to be terrified. Sadly, the fear didn’t grip me the way the novel did. I was too distracted by the tonal whiplash. The entity was doing the most. I just wanted her to pick a lane! In one breath, she emulated Pennywise (IT), Other Mother (Coraline), Smile, Samara (The Ring), Kayako (The Grudge) and more. I was extremely overstimulated. There was also a silly, campy moment that took me out of the bleak, hopeless vibe Josh Malerman was writing about. The source material is much darker, more understated and sinister. We are dealing with the loss of a child’s innocence here – not a goofy seance full of mediums wearing colourful hardhats! Furthermore, the teaser trailer ‘bath scene’ never happened. I kept waiting for it to come but it didn’t. I was really hoping Other Mommy would hit my top ten horror films of 2026 but unfortunately, it fell short. 

OVERALL STAR RATING: 

I gave it 3.75/5 stars. If I hadn’t read the book, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more. 

Have you seen Other Mommy? What did you think of it?

Peace & Love xoxo