Mama

Two young sisters vanish the day their parents die, and years later are found living with a hopeful couple who offer them a fresh start. Lilly and Victoria carry with them a shadow of woods and whispers, a presence that never truly leaves them. The guardians, Annabel and Lucas, try to settle into a normal life, tending to schoolwork, meals, and bedtime routines, while odd sounds and fleeting shapes creep through the house. Sleep becomes strained as the sisters insist on rituals that keep them safe. The family must balance care with fear as something unseen presses in from the past, testing their trust and resilience. The atmosphere stays tense without tipping into gore. The tension lingers after the credits.

Directed by Andy Muschietti and released in 2013, the film builds on a concept by Barbara Muschietti and Neil Cross and benefits from Guillermo del Toro's producer credit, signaling a notable collaboration behind a modern supernatural thriller for audiences worldwide.

On a budget of 15 million, Mama earned roughly 146.4 million worldwide, signaling a strong return that surpassed expectations for a mid budget horror title and helped sustain a string of cult genre offerings from the era during its run.

Mama left a recognizable mark with its eerie visual of a childlike spirit looming in shadows and a bewitching, protective menace. The film's imagery and performances sparked ongoing conversations about guardianship and motherhood in contemporary horror, influencing posters, trailers, and fan recreations across media, online discussions and memes.

Critics generally praised the atmosphere and Chastain's strong presence, while noting the film effectively blends supernatural shocks with emotional undercurrents. Its themes center on care versus danger, the lasting impact of trauma on children, and how fear can masquerade as protection, memory, and guilt within families today in modern cinema.