Writer: Siti Munawirah Mustaffa

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Watch this if you liked: “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “Sinister”

It's hard not to be creeped out when you combine little children with the supernatural in one story. Such is the case with "Mama", originally a short film of the same name directed by Andres Muschietti, and a tale that explores the strong mother-child connection in an eerie manner.

Five years following the death of their missing father, Jeffrey (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Victoria (Megan Charpentier) and Lilly (Isabelle Nelisse) are found in an abandoned cabin. Concerned with their animal-like behaviour, the authorities then decide to place them in a welfare clinic under the care of Dr. Gerald Dreyfuss (Daniel Kash), who later supports the custody claim of Jeffrey's brother, Lucas (Coster-Waldau) and his girlfriend, Annabel (Jessica Chastain), on the count that the four of them live in a house sponsored by his clinic for case studies. The living condition is not without strange events that occur, eventually leading those in close contacts with the children to 'Mama'; a mysterious character who is more than just Victoria and Lilly's imaginary friend.

If you're already more than familiar with the horror genre, then you'll find the effects in "Mama" as nothing extraordinary. Truly, there is nothing striking in this film apart from Jessica Chastain's solid performance as punk rock chick Annabel, who, ecstatic about not being pregnant at the beginning of the film, eventually transforms into a loving foster mother of two girls after thrown into unexpected circumstances.

What the reviewer admires about this film is the strong bond that slowly develops between Annabel and the children as they slowly become less hostile towards her; thus showing the many different types of characteristics that the "Zero Dark Thirty" star is able to portray. The downside, however, lies in the poor film effects that makes 'Mama' look not much different from any of Tim Burton's caricatures. Quite a disappointment, the reviewer must say, as "Pan's Labyrinth" director, Guillermo del Toro was involved in the production team.

While intense at the middle chapter, the story begins to make less sense towards the end. No magical effects from the showering of butterflies would be able to save the already shaky plot, either. With a conclusion that leaves your eyes rolling, let's just hope there won't be any sequel and more of Chastain on screen instead.

Cinema Online, 23 January 2013