Updated

Updated · film-authority.com · Oct 9

Other Mommy Flops as 93-Minute Josh Malerman Adaptation Draws Fresh Critical Fire

Updated

Updated · film-authority.com · Oct 9

Other Mommy Flops as 93-Minute Josh Malerman Adaptation Draws Fresh Critical Fire

Q: Will Jessica Chastain's dual role and a child star's breakout performance save this heavily criticized horror film from its excessive jump scares?

Probably not critically, though it may be enough commercially. The early consensus suggests Jessica Chastain’s dual role and Arabella Olivia Clark’s performance are among the film’s clearest assets, but not enough to fully overcome complaints about the movie’s construction. Several reactions single out Chastain’s commitment and Clark’s natural, emotionally credible work as Bela. One favorable review said Clark’s “soulful” performance creates real tension, and even some mixed notices acknowledged the cast as a strength. But the main criticism is broader than acting. Reviewers repeatedly cite the film’s reliance on roughly 50 jump scares, weak CGI, uneven pacing, and muddled mythology. In that context, the problem appears structural: critics arguing that the scares become repetitive are essentially saying the performances are trapped inside a film that does not sustain its own premise. One harsh response went so far as to say “not even Chastain can save such a terrible screenplay.” That said, strong performances can still help a horror film connect with audiences, especially one opening in October with a marketable concept and a recognizable star. The movie is still projected to open around $20 million, suggesting box-office interest remains solid despite the mixed-to-negative notices. So Chastain and Clark may not “save” *Other Mommy* in the eyes of critics, but they could be enough to make it watchable for genre fans and commercially viable over opening weekend.

3 articles · Updated · film-authority.com · Oct 9

A new review calls “Other Mommy” a narratively broken 93-minute horror film that repeats the same demonic threat until the ending, despite its unusual premise.
Jessica Chastain plays both mother Ursula and the demon double haunting 8-year-old Bela, but the film is faulted for thin backstory, cheap CGI and relentless jump scares that never turn frightening.
Rob Savage’s adaptation of Josh Malerman’s “Incidents Around the House,” backed by James Wan’s Atomic Monster and Blumhouse, is described as visually messy and stripped of stakes because every character instantly accepts the possession threat.
The latest pan deepens already poor reception after early reviews branded it Chastain’s worst film and a two-star release-day review said Universal’s review embargo signaled trouble.