Mama (2013)

“Mama” was the first theatrical release that I saw in 2013 and it was an instant classic. It’s a ghost story, its PG-13, it’s more about suspense and thrills than violence and gore, and it’s nearly perfect. The script could have been cleaned up and streamlined because it does have some confusing moments, but nothing that hampers the overall enjoyment of this film. There are some playful and fun moments as well but this is primarily a ghost story that delivers its fair share of scares. This film is another project that Guillermo del Toro served as executive producer, and it was with his name and backing that this film was able to reach a massive audience and become a financial success.

Jeffrey has a mental breakdown and kills his business partner and his wife before kidnapping his young daughters and taking them to an isolated cabin with the intent on killing them and finally himself. Before he can kill Victoria and her little sister Lilly, Jeffrey is killed by the unseen “Mama”, who then takes care of the girls for the next five years. When the girls are finally found, they are reunited with their uncle Lucas, who takes them in to live with him and his punk rocker girlfriend Annabel. The small family moves into a house owned by Dr. Dreyfus and his clinic so they can be studied during the girl’s rehabilitation. But “Mama” has followed Victoria and Lilly to the house as well and has no intention of losing what she believes is hers.

Favorite moment – I love the scene when Lilly is playing with Mama in her bedroom and Victoria appears and stops Annabel just before she was about to enter the room.

Lilly and Victoria

Lucas and Annabel trying to protect Lilly and Victoria from Mama

Mama!