So, I went to see the Other Mommy—I mean, another horror movie from Hollywood. How is this movie, which is only an hour and a half long?
Other Mommy Story: A Mother Who Becomes a Nightmare
The story features a happy, lively family—a staple in such films—along with a young child and, of course, a ghost. The plot kicks off when the family moves into a new house—a common trope—where the haunting begins. But deeper secrets are at play.
A young girl named Bela encounters an entity that is a replica of her mother; she calls this figure “Other Mommy.”
This “Other Mommy” keeps urging the child to say “yes”—to invite her into her heart. The entity is desperate for that “yes” so she can achieve “carnation” (the specific term used in the film).
The entire story revolves around the family struggling to escape this entity—referred to in the movie as a “Trickster.” You could call it a spirit, a supernatural entity, or even a chalava. But let’s drop the word chalava here because, according to podcasts, a chalava asks for a beedi (a cigarette). And this one didn’t ask for one!
Throughout the movie, the entity relentlessly pursues the girl, leaving the family at a loss for what to do. They run from place to place, pausing occasionally to eat burgers and fries—because, obviously, hunger strikes even when a ghost is hot on your heels.
There are also secrets within the family itself that add intrigue to the film. What is the nature of the ghost’s connection to the girl? Why does it want her? The entire plot revolves around these questions.
Does Other Mommy Deliver the Horror?
But does this horror movie deliver a satisfying horror experience? Umm, I’d say only about ten or twenty percent.
Honestly, I was really excited after watching the trailer. There are only one or two scenes in the entire movie that literally give you goosebumps, though the film does present a fresh concept.
It feels less like a horror movie and more like a psychological one—especially when viewed from a child’s perspective. Usually, horror movies feature a ghost haunting a house or relentlessly tormenting someone. Here, however, the source of fear is the mother—and for a child, the mother is supposed to be the safest place of all.
When that very face becomes the source of one’s greatest fear, the situation becomes inherently disturbing. Unfortunately, the movie fails to make effective use of that unsettling element.
Where Other Mommy Goes Wrong
Bro, there’s a scene in the second half that feels like they just abandoned it halfway through. It seemed as though the makers didn’t know what to show next, so they simply left it at that.
While the movie’s concept is intriguing, the writing isn’t quite as strong; the way characters react in certain situations feels a bit odd.
At times, it seems the filmmakers sidelined narrative logic simply to focus on scaring the audience.
Although the film delivers a succession of horror moments, the tension-building between them doesn’t always work effectively.
Personally, I felt this concept could have been explored more thoroughly; the idea holds immense potential, and with tighter execution, the movie could have been truly outstanding.
Final Verdict
Overall, Other Mommy is a decent yet below-average horror movie; while its creepy visuals, performances, and interesting concept might entertain you, it fails to truly hook you. It also doesn’t properly explain who this “other mommy” actually is or where she came from.
I’m giving Other Mommy 2.5 out of five stars. If you’ve watched it, do let me know what you thought in the comments.
Oh, and by the way, the movie is in English—there’s no Hindi dub, though subtitles are available.
Also, it’s not really for kids—even though the story centers on a young girl—because there is some bloodshed, though there is no obscenity. So, go ahead and watch it if you’re interested.