Jessica Chastain is bringing a disturbing new twist to motherhood in *Other Mommy*, but the Oscar-winning actress’s latest horror project is facing a chilly reception from critics as it arrives in theaters.
Directed by Rob Savage, the supernatural thriller places Chastain at the center of a frightening family mystery, casting her as both a mother and a sinister imitation determined to disrupt her daughter’s life.
Based on Josh Malerman’s novel *Incidents Around the House*, the film follows eight-year-old Bela, played by Arabella Olivia Clark, who discovers that something unnatural has taken an interest in her family.
The mysterious presence looks like Bela’s mother, Ursula, but its intentions are far from maternal. As the entity becomes increasingly involved in the family’s daily life, the distinction between familiar comfort and supernatural danger begins to disappear.
Jay Duplass portrays Bela’s father, Russell, whose relationship with Ursula is already showing signs of strain. Those domestic complications provide an emotional backdrop for a story built around childhood vulnerability, parental trust, and the fear that someone familiar may not be who they appear to be.
The premise offers considerable potential for psychological horror, particularly with Chastain portraying both sides of the central threat. However, early reviews suggest that the film’s execution has become a significant stumbling block.
Variety’s review takes a particularly critical position, arguing that the production relies too heavily on rapid editing, exaggerated supernatural encounters, and repeated jump scares instead of allowing suspense to develop naturally.
The criticism extends to the film’s pacing and character development. Rather than gradually establishing the danger surrounding Bela, the story introduces its supernatural conflict almost immediately and maintains an intense pace throughout much of its running time.
That approach leaves limited room for the family relationships to develop, weakening the emotional stakes that might otherwise make the haunting more disturbing.
Chastain’s dual performance also presents an unusual challenge. Her supernatural counterpart relies on extreme physical movements, unsettling expressions, and elaborate digital effects to create a threatening presence. Yet some critics have found the results more excessive than frightening.
The performances themselves have drawn mixed assessments. Clark has received recognition for bringing a comparatively grounded presence to the increasingly chaotic story, while the contrasting acting styles of Chastain and Duplass have contributed to criticism of the film’s inconsistent tone.
For Savage, whose previous directing credits include *Host* and *The Boogeyman*, the project represents another exploration of supernatural terror. This time, however, the emphasis on visual spectacle appears to have divided reviewers over whether the film delivers meaningful suspense.
Despite the negative response, *Other Mommy* enters theaters with several elements that could attract horror audiences, including a recognizable leading actress, a popular literary foundation, and a premise that transforms an ordinary family relationship into something deeply unsettling.
The film also continues Chastain’s association with the horror genre following appearances in *Mama* and *It Chapter Two*.
Ultimately, the central question surrounding *Other Mommy* is whether its unsettling imagery and aggressive scares will resonate more strongly with moviegoers than they have with early critics.
With its October 9 theatrical release, audiences now have the opportunity to decide whether Chastain’s sinister double is the stuff of nightmares or simply a horror concept that struggles to fulfill its promise.
