Goodnight Mommy 2022 Movie Review

Goodnight Mommy is a chilling psychological thriller that manages to captivate and disturb its viewers from start to finish. Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, this Austrian film embraces the genre with its haunting atmosphere, intense performances, and thought-provoking narrative.

The plot revolves around twin brothers Elias and Lukas (played by Lukas Schwarz and Elias Schwarz), who live in an isolated house with their mother (Susanne Wuest) after she returns from facial surgery. As her behavior becomes increasingly odd and mysterious, the twins begin to question if she is truly their mother or an imposter hiding a dark secret.

From the very beginning, Goodnight Mommy establishes an ominous tone that sends shivers down your spine. The beautiful yet isolating countryside setting enhances the overall unease as it mirrors the isolation of our main characters. As secrets slowly unravel throughout the film, tension builds exponentially, leaving you on the edge of your seat.

The young actors deliver remarkable performances as they navigate through emotions ranging from curiosity to terror. Their chemistry as twins feels authentic and provides a solid foundation for us to invest in their perspective. Susanne Wuest’s portrayal of their mother is equally stunning; her ability to oscillate between loving caretaker and menacing presence is unnerving.

The direction by Franz and Fiala showcases their skill at building suspense through lingering shots and deliberate pacing. Each scene feels meticulously crafted, leaving viewers on tenterhooks while eagerly awaiting answers. What impresses me most about Goodnight Mommy is its commitment to maintaining ambiguity throughout—a quality rarely found in modern thrillers. This ambiguity allows audiences’ imagination to run wild while contemplating every possible explanation for what unfolds on screen.

The score perfectly complements both the movie’s haunting visuals and eerie atmosphere. It amplifies each scene’s impact by combining unsettling melodies with moments of silence when tension reaches peak levels. Cinematography and production design work in tandem, creating a visually stunning experience that is both beautiful and eerie. The use of natural lighting enhances the film’s realism while adding an unsettling touch.

Special effects are used sparingly but effectively to enhance key scenes, leaving a lasting impact without ever feeling overly reliant on CGI or gore. The editing skillfully plays with time, contributing to the film’s disorienting nature by seamlessly blending past and present.

However, Goodnight Mommy isn’t without its flaws. Some viewers may find the deliberately slow pacing challenging to endure, especially during moments where answers seem elusive. Additionally, the ambiguous narrative can leave some questions unanswered or require further interpretation after the credits roll.

Nevertheless, this horror-thriller achieves what it sets out to do: leave you in a state of unease long after leaving the theater. It delves into themes of identity, perception, and trust while forcing audiences to question their own assumptions about reality. It provokes genuine fear by tapping into our deepest fears—both psychological and physical.

In conclusion, Goodnight Mommy is a masterful piece of cinema that will stick with you for days as you unpack its layers of symbolism and unravel its unsettling mysteries. It combines strong performances with an atmospheric soundtrack alongside exceptional direction and cinematography to create an unforgettable viewing experience—one that will make you question what lies behind closed doors long after saying goodnight to this chilling tale.

Rating: 4/5

Goodnight Mommy – Official Trailer | Prime Video official trailer