Original story, fine acting, some frightening scenes... Then the ending spoiled it for me

Rating: 7/10 (15 January 2015)

As a devout horror fan for over a decade now, there are very few sub-genres I haven't encountered during my ever ongoing search for the thrill of fear. Still, Mama has managed to take me by surprise. This film, in my opinion, is simply too... well, different. So in this review I face the challenging task of being objective even though I did not really enjoy it.
I have my issues with the plot, though I find it to be quite original and innovative, a trait modern Horror sadly lacks in most films. A husband and father has a breakdown due to a financial crisis, kills his wife and takes his daughters to a deserted remote cabin, with the intention of killing them too. However, something stops him. Something protects the girls and cares for them, helping them survive in the wild for 5 years. So far - so good, and quite impressive!
Cinematography features a little too many jump scares, which I personally enjoy, but recognize for being a cheap stunt. A true Horror prodigy scares the audience using the story and characters, not sudden loud music with a frightening antagonist. Still, I especially enjoyed a certain scene where a flash camera is used instead of a flashlight, very much like the Horror game Outlast.
As for the acting, I always find myself impressed with young actors and actresses, and Mama has a few of these. Megan Charpentier as 8 year old Victoria shows some real promising potential, and so does little Morgan McGarry as young 3 year old Victoria, even though she has very little lines and has to mostly relay on facial expressions and body language. Speaking of which - Isabelle Nelisse as little 6 year old Lilly takes the grand prize for acting in this film, playing her role perfectly! In addition, I must also pay my respects to leading actress Jessica Chastain. I had absolutely loved her in Zero Dark Thirty, yet failed to recognize her in this film as Annabelle. Playing such a different role in such a professional and successful manner really shows a lot of hard work combined with some God given talent, always a pleasure!
I also must be fair and admit that the character of Mama (played by Javier Botete, yes, a male actor, how impressive/weird/awesome/messed up is that?) was one of the scarier that I've seen so far. This is one of these rare occasions where Hollywood really gives Asian Horror a run for its money. Not since Ju-On (The Grudge) has a voice/sound caused me that much distress. Surprisingly, I've learnt that credit here is due to Jane Moffat, who plays Aunt Jean, and is also responsible for the voice of Mama. Talk about chills...
So if I have so many compliments to the plot and crew, where is the problem? That would be the ending. Horror films are not supposed to have a happy ending, true, but this ending didn't feel frightening, simply sad. Heartbreaking, to be more accurate. And given that this is the ending, it's also the feeling with which I finished the film. For me, the ending of a Horror film is extremely important in setting the overall experience, and ending a film with sadness and pain rather than fear is a big setback.
So all in all, I must be fair and say that this is film is good, maybe even very good. A good film which I ultimately did not enjoy. I would say, as I do always - watch it yourselves and be your own judges. After a long personal debate, I've decided to go with a 7 rather than my originally planned 6. Mama has earned this much.