Ma Review

The horror movies of Blumhouse Productions are somewhat of a mixed bag, ranging from the unique and atmospherically creepy Get Out to the completely horrendous Truth or Dare. The newest addition to their horror catalogue, writer/director Tate Taylor’s teen focused stalker film Ma lands somewhere in the middle. The lack of complexity in the narrative of Ma creates a predictable series of events that is scarce in suspense. The generic story partnered with Taylor’s uninspired directing leaves a film that feels as if it’s just going through the motions, with each scene being competently created yet holding little weight. However, it’s the added dimension of Octavia Spencer as the lead antagonist that keeps Ma from falling into insignificance, giving a lively and entertaining performance that helps elevate scenes that would otherwise be mediocre.

Ma follows teenager Maggie Thompson as she moves with her mother Erica back to her hometown in Ohio. During the first week of attending her new high school, Maggie befriends the rowdy group of Andy, Haley, Chazz and Darrell. While the group attempts to convince adults to buy them liquor out front of a corner store, the teenagers meet Sue Ann, a friendly woman who kindly buys them the booze. However, Sue Ann’s generosity persists, eventually inviting the group over to her basement in order to drink and party there. Having gained popularity amongst the town’s youth with her hospitality, the group gives her the nickname Ma. But as Sue Ann becomes closer with the teenagers, her dark secrets and motives are slowly realized, reveling sinister and vengeful secrets.

Ma marks the fifth project that Octavia Spencer and director Tate Taylor have worked on together, the two are long time friends and former roommates, with a creative relationship that dates back to 2003. The chemistry and camaraderie that Spencer and Taylor share with one another is clear in Ma. Although Taylors camerawork is never notable or arresting, there is no doubt a comfortability that she brings out of Spencer which helps her project such an array of emotion on screen so successfully.

Octavia Spencer is what drives Ma, her charm, humour and torment as Sue Ann adds much-needed depth to many scenes of the film. It’s a shame that none of the other characters are as compelling or memorable, with most being extremely one dimensional in order to set up uncreative or cliché conflicts. The predictability of Ma also causes some serious pacing issues throughout the film, which culminates into a third act that even Spencer’s wonderfully unhinged character cannot fully salvage.

Overall, the straightforward plot points and bland directing of Ma is made passable by the charismatic lead performance by Octavia Spencer. There’s enough throughout to keep many entertained for the films duration, though the uncreative story and safe execution will make it hard for Ma to remain memorable.

An enjoyably campy performance from top billed Octavia Spencer elevates Ma past its generic series of events.

Produced By: Blumhouse Productions
Runtime: 120 minutes
Rating: R