A Gem

Rating: 7/10 (19 January 2013)

This little horror movie is a gem. I didn't expect much, but when my ten year old niece was excited to watch it I decided to see it. Apparently younger folks knew all about this, but I didn't. It is a simple story. A father murders his wife and goes on the run with his kids. His car crashes. He walks to a deserted cabin in the woods with his two girls. It is there that mama appears when he tries to kill his children. Mama is a ghostly caretaker. She is the ghost of a woman who jumped to her death in the 1800's. She cares for the two girls for several years before they are found (she did away with the murderous father). The father's brother is searching for the kids and when he finds them he brings them home. However, mama comes home with them as well. I haven't seen a good horror film like this is years. For the most part it is understated. You only see glimpses of mama until the end of the movie. The creepiest part is how the younger daughter has not acquired social skills. She is literally an animal and walks on all fours. Unlike many horror films, the characters are intelligent and don't go around opening doors they shouldn't. The flashbacks give mama her back story. There are a few unexplained things such as the children surviving on gathered cherry pits and moths, but nonetheless it is interesting. Definitely see this movie. It's on the top of my list for a thriller.