The mother of all evil.|Oct. 11, 2022|USA|Not Rated
Genre: Horror
Description: The film “Matriarch” (2022) begins with a striking image of a naked figure descending into a pool of black sludge, setting the tone for a slow-paced and somewhat tedious thriller. The story revolves around Laura, played by Jemima Rooper, an advertising professional grappling with substance abuse, bulimia, and intrusive behavior toward others. After a near-fatal overdose, Laura decides to leave her hectic life behind and return to her childhood home, despite having been estranged from her mother for decades.
Upon arriving in the secluded English village, Laura hopes to confront her inner demons but soon realizes that the community is hiding a dark and unsettling secret. Her mother, Celia, portrayed by Kate Dickie, appears unnaturally youthful, as do most of the villagers, hinting at something sinister. As Laura delves deeper, she discovers that the locals are part of a mysterious and disturbing pact. The film attempts to build tension, but its pacing and predictable plot twists fail to deliver genuine scares or surprises. The finale, marked by dim and unclear visuals, leaves much to be desired both visually and narratively.
Overall, “Matriarch” struggles to stand out in the horror genre, offering little in terms of originality or impact.
Cast director: Ben Steiner
Cast actor: Jemima Rooper, Kate Dickie, Sarah Paul, Simon Meacock, Christina Cole, Franc Ashman, Celinde Schoenmaker, Stephen DeRosa, Kate Lynn Evans, Nick Haverson
Original name: Matriarch