Universal Pictures is facing a rocky critical reception for its new horror release Other Mommy, even as the Blumhouse and Atomic Monster production tracks toward a leading $20 million weekend box office opening. Directed by Rob Savage and starring Jessica Chastain in a dual role, the film held late U.S. critic screenings ahead of its wide theater release, a strategic choice that fueled speculation over studio confidence.
Based on Josh Malerman’s novel Incidents Around the House, the movie follows a working mother whose young daughter, played by Arabella Olivia Clark, is targeted by a demonic doppelgänger seeking to replace her. Despite a viral marketing campaign and millions of trailer views, early reviews have dragged the supernatural thriller down to a 20 percent positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Fast-Paced Scares and Critical Backlash
Director Rob Savage previously generated industry buzz by noting that the film features roughly 50 jump scares—equaling about one every two minutes. However, several critics found the relentless pacing exhausting rather than frightening. Reviewers pointed to a lack of atmospheric buildup, arguing that the film relies too heavily on disjointed set pieces and rapid editing.
Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, critics described the project as an “attractive but mostly vacuous collection of jumpy bits and half-baked mythology,” noting that the film struggled to capture the sustained dread of its source material.
Adding to the critical division, publications such as Variety noted that the narrative misfired in tone, shifting erratically without building proper suspense. The story picks up with adolescent protagonist Bela already familiar with the entity taking the form of her mother, Ursula, while her father Russell, played by Jay Duplass, quickly encounters the intruder as well. Reviewers pointed out that the lack of skepticism among the characters removes traditional tension-building hurdles found in supernatural thrillers.
Performance Praise Amid Structural Flaws
While the overarching narrative drew sharp criticism, Jessica Chastain’s physical performance received notable attention. Reviewers highlighted her commitment to playing the nefarious entity with unsettling energy, though some argued that heavy facial visual effects and over-direction occasionally smothered her on-screen presence.
The Guardian noted that Chastain’s elegant iciness suits the dual role, but criticized the film for shifting too quickly from subtle unease to gloopy body horror. As audiences head to theaters this weekend, industry observers will watch whether the wide viral awareness can sustain the film’s box office dominance past its opening frame.