A Netflix film Ma, thrives on Octavia Spencer’s remarkable performance in a role unlike anything we’ve seen before. Ma is a film written by Scotty Landes and directed by Tate Taylor.
Octavia Spencer portrays Sue Ann, a reclusive woman who invites a group of teenagers into her basement for a party. What starts as a seemingly harmless way for her to experience the youth she never had soon spirals into a dark tale of obsession, manipulation, and terror.
While the movie touches on themes of trauma and revenge, its inconsistent tone and pacing hold it back from reaching its full potential.
The film’s strength lies in its character-driven horror, particularly in Sue Ann’s chilling descent into madness. Through flashbacks, we learn of her painful past marked by bullying and humiliation, which makes her actions both relatable and terrifying.
Despite feeling empathy for her, Sue Ann’s increasingly disturbing behavior—ranging from stalking to violent outbursts keeps you on edge.
However, the teenagers, led by Diana Silvers as Maggie, are underdeveloped, making it difficult to become fully invested in their fate. They feel more like instruments for Sue Ann’s revenge, which weakens the impact of the horror.
The dialogue is inconsistent—sometimes capturing the carefree nature of teenage chatter, but other times it feels awkward. That said, Spencer excels with every line, shifting effortlessly from warm and welcoming to vengeful and unhinged. She’s magnetic, and it’s impossible to look away from her.
Unfortunately, the third act falters with a chaotic and overblown climax. While the connection between Ma and the parents sets up an interesting angle, it’s rushed and underexplored.
Still, Ma manages to carve out a unique and unsettling space in the horror genre. It’s messy, but Spencer’s standout performance makes it a memorable watch.
