The horror genre, often a playground for the macabre and supernatural, occasionally ventures into the deeply unsettling realm of psychological terror. “Mom” (2025), the debut feature from Adam O’Brien, bravely tackles the often-unspoken horrors of postnatal depression and psychosis, plunging the viewer into the fractured psyche of a new mother grappling with the overwhelming demands of parenthood. While the film may stumble in its attempt to seamlessly blend the supernatural with the psychological, it undeniably succeeds in creating a claustrophobic and deeply disturbing atmosphere that resonates long after the credits roll. This review delves into the film’s intricate layers, exploring its themes, visual language, and overall impact, offering a comprehensive analysis for the discerning horror aficionado.
Mom (2025)
Emily Hampshire delivers a tour-de-force performance as Meredith, a new mother whose initial joy quickly curdles into a maelstrom of anxiety and despair. The film wastes no time in establishing the stark reality of Meredith’s postpartum experience. The opening scene, where she scrubs her own birth discharge from the floor, is a visceral and unsettling introduction to the physical and emotional challenges that await her. This act, seemingly mundane, becomes a symbolic representation of Meredith’s struggle to regain control over her body and her life.
The film masterfully portrays the insidious nature of postnatal depression, showcasing how it can erode a woman’s sense of self and distort her perception of reality. Meredith’s husband, Jared (François Arnaud), while seemingly supportive, inadvertently contributes to her growing sense of isolation. His well-meaning encouragement to “try harder” only amplifies Meredith’s feelings of inadequacy and guilt. The pressure to conform to societal expectations of motherhood, coupled with the relentless demands of caring for a newborn, pushes Meredith to the brink of collapse.
One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of the blurred lines between reality and hallucination. As Meredith’s mental state deteriorates, the film increasingly relies on visual and auditory cues to convey her distorted perception of the world. Visions of blood-soaked cribs and a ghostly, Ringu-esque figure lurking in the shadows heighten the sense of unease and contribute to the film’s overall atmosphere of dread.
The film’s setting, a seemingly ordinary suburban home, transforms into a prison for Meredith, reflecting her growing sense of entrapment. The pale, Stygian hues that permeate the visuals create a sense of coldness and isolation, further emphasizing Meredith’s emotional distance from her surroundings and even her own child. The gradual decay of the house, with cracks appearing in the walls and water gushing through the floor, mirrors the disintegration of Meredith’s psyche.
“Mom” grapples with the delicate balance between psychological and supernatural horror. While the film hints at a possible supernatural presence, it ultimately grounds itself in the very real and terrifying experience of postnatal psychosis. The ambiguity surrounding the source of Meredith’s visions allows viewers to interpret them through either a psychological or supernatural lens.
This ambiguity, while potentially frustrating for some viewers seeking a clear-cut explanation, is precisely what makes the film so effective. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable reality that sometimes, the most terrifying monsters are the ones that reside within our own minds. The film deliberately avoids providing easy answers, instead choosing to immerse us in Meredith’s subjective experience, leaving us to grapple with the uncertainty and ambiguity of her situation.
The film’s narrative structure mirrors Meredith’s descent into madness. As her mental state deteriorates, the film becomes increasingly fragmented and disorienting. Flashbacks, hallucinations, and moments of distorted reality intertwine, creating a sense of unease and disorientation. This fragmented narrative structure effectively conveys the chaotic and unpredictable nature of psychosis, immersing the viewer in Meredith’s subjective experience.
The film’s climax is a harrowing depiction of Meredith’s complete unraveling. Trapped in her home, isolated from the outside world, she is left to confront her deepest fears and insecurities. The apparitions she encounters, while reminiscent of other horror tropes, serve as manifestations of her internal struggles. They represent her guilt, her fear of failure as a mother, and her sense of alienation from her own child.
Emily Hampshire’s performance is nothing short of breathtaking. She embodies Meredith’s vulnerability, her desperation, and her descent into madness with remarkable nuance and intensity. Her portrayal is both heartbreaking and terrifying, capturing the emotional turmoil of a woman struggling to reconcile her idealized vision of motherhood with the harsh realities of her experience.
While the film’s focus on the negative aspects of motherhood may be unsettling for some, it is important to recognize that these experiences are a reality for many women. By confronting these uncomfortable truths, “Mom” opens up a dialogue about the importance of mental health support for new mothers and the need to destigmatize the struggles of postpartum depression and psychosis.
“Mom” is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Its unsettling atmosphere, its powerful performances, and its unflinching exploration of maternal struggles leave a lasting impression. While the film may not offer easy answers or neatly resolved storylines, it succeeds in creating a deeply disturbing and thought-provoking experience.
“Mom” is a powerful and unsettling exploration of the maternal experience. Emily Hampshire’s performance is nothing short of phenomenal, and the film’s visual language is both haunting and effective. While the ambiguity surrounding the supernatural elements may frustrate some viewers, it ultimately contributes to the film’s overall sense of unease. “Mom” is a must-see for fans of psychological horror and those interested in exploring the darker side of motherhood.
