Have you been browsing through Netflix's endless sea of options, but nothing seems to grab your attention? Well, you can stop your search now because we've got just the perfect movie for you. It's the weekend, and you're going to want to watch something that's as thrilling as it is unsettling. Fortunately, Netflix has just added a dark and twisted psychological horror film that will keep you hooked until the very last frame. Ma, starring Octavia Spencer, is now available on the streaming platform.
Coming from Blumhouse Productions, Ma was written by Scotty Landes (The Machine) and directed by Tate Taylor (Palm Royale, The Help). Sadly, this movie wasn't appreciated as it should have been when it was initially released in 2019, which is a real shame because it's a deeply disturbing and brilliantly crafted psychological horror film. Yes, it might not be the typical horror movie that relies on gore and jump scares, but that’s precisely what makes Ma stand out. It doesn't need shock value or excessive bloodshed to unsettle its audience. It lures you in with its slow-burning tension and the uneasy feeling that something is always off.
Honestly, this movie will remind you of that childhood lesson your parents always stressed: "Never talk to strangers." The teens in Ma had to find out the hard way when what seemed like an innocent act of kindness turned into a chilling nightmare they never saw coming.
In short, Ma follows a lonely woman who befriends a group of teens and invites them to party in her basement, only for her troubled past and fragile mental state to push her toward increasingly disturbing and dangerous behavior. Maggie and her mother, Erica, decide to leave San Diego and return to Erica's hometown in Ohio. While Erica takes on a new job at a local casino, Maggie makes new friends with the popular kids at school.
One day, Maggie and the other teens decide they want to hang out at a popular local spot, but they struggle to find someone who will buy them alcohol since they’re underage. Eventually, they come across Sue Ann, a seemingly kind woman who agrees to buy them the alcohol. However, this doesn't end up being a one-time occurrence. On another occasion, Sue Ann buys them alcohol again, but instead of just handing it over like before, she invites the teens to follow her back to her house.
She lets them drink, smoke, and hang out in her basement, but strictly forbids them from going upstairs. Although this should have raised immediate concerns, the teens, in their naivety, dismiss the red flags. As they continue to hang out with Sue Ann, aka Ma, her behavior becomes more controlling and erratic, and they soon realize they’re trapped in a dangerous situation.
As expected from an Oscar winner, Octavia Spencer delivers an exceptional performance in Ma, bringing a captivating blend of charm and menace to her role as Sue Ann. Her incredible performance in this film will remind you of her ability to portray complex, layered characters.
You want to feel bad for Sue Ann because of her dark past, but as her obsession and manipulation spiral out of control, any sympathy you once had for her quickly fades. If it wasn't for Spencer's powerful performance, Sue Ann's transformation into a dangerous, unhinged figure might have felt less believable. After watching her in Ma, you'll be questioning why she hasn't been cast in more villainous roles.
The rest of the cast also delivers solid performances, with the young ensemble adding authenticity to their roles, portraying the rebellious yet vulnerable essence of teenagers. The young cast is made up of Diana Silvers, Corey Fogelmanis, Gianni Paolo, McKaley Miller, and Dante Brown. Then, you have other talented, well-known actors such as Juliette Lewis, Luke Evans, Missi Pyle, and Allison Janney further elevating the film by adding their seasoned expertise to the mix.
If you haven't watched Ma yet, you're really missing out. It's a must-see for anyone who enjoys gripping psychological horror flicks with a touch of dark humor. It won't stream on Netflix forever, so be sure to catch it before it leaves!