Mia Goth and Anya Taylor-Joy are two of the most popular modern-day scream queens, having both starred in acclaimed films, many of them in the horror genre. But not many realize that Goth and Taylor-Joy have acted in a couple of projects together, notably the Jane Austen adaptation Emma, and the 2017 Spanish psychological horror film Marrowbone.
Now streaming on Tubi (free with ads), Peacock, and Prime Video, Marrowbone is a criminally underrated movie featuring an incredible cast. Apart from Goth and Taylor-Joy, Marrowbone stars Stranger Things actor Charlie Heaton and George MacKay (1917).
MacKay, Heaton, Goth, and young actor Matthew Stagg play the Marrowbone siblings. In 1968, their mother, Rose Fairbairn, moves her children from England to her family's pastoral estate in Maine. The place is known as the Marrowbone Estate, named for Rose's maiden name.
She coaches her children to use it as their new surname. Not long after arriving in their new home, the siblings befriend a local girl named Allie (Taylor-Joy). But then Rose tragically dies, leaving the siblings to care for themselves, with the eldest, Jack (MacKay) in charge. Left to fend for themselves in this rural town, the siblings discover that a mysterious presence has taken up residence in their home. They start covering mirrors and taking up extra precautions to protect themselves from this entity.
What follows is an incredibly haunting movie filled with excellent performances from its brilliant cast. Marrowbone is not only scary, but it's moving and emotional. This film doesn't need cheap jump scares or a dependence on gore to frighten you. Becoming invested in the characters and the slow unraveling of their dark family history will do that well enough on its own.
The film's eerie and evocative storytelling is a staple of filmmaker Sergio G. Sánchez, who wrote and directed Marrowbone and penned the script for the critically acclaimed 2007 horror movie The Orphanage. Sánchez was similarly praised for his ability to create terror without necessitating the use of jump scares in his 2007 movie.
Who should watch Marrowbone?
In summation, if you're looking for a horror movie that will not only frighten you but rip your heart out and make you cry, then Marrowbone is the perfect choice. It's a shame the movie is so underrated, especially considering its notable cast.
If you're a fan of horror movies that also double as family dramas like The Orphanage, Hereditary, The Others, Oculus, The Lodge, or even The Haunting of Hill House, then Marrowbone is the perfect choice.
Goth is best known for her starring role in Ti West's X trilogy, but she's been in many other horror movies, such as Infinity Pool, A Cure for Wellness, Suspiria, and the upcoming Frankenstein. Similarly, Taylor-Joy has starred in several horror films, too, like Split, The Witch, Last Night in Soho, and, most recently, The Gorge (which just became the most-viewed Apple TV+ movie in history!).
Marrowbone is currently streaming on Peacock, Tubi, and Prime Video.