Unraveling Childhood Trauma’s Shadow on Relationships

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MOVIE REVIEW
Mother, May I?
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Laurence Vannicelli
Writer(s): Laurence Vannicelli
Cast: Holland Roden, Kyle Gallner, Chris Mulkey
Where To Watch: available in select theaters and on digital platforms 7/21

RAVING REVIEW: Strap in, dear reader, as we prepare to plunge into the rabbit hole of psychological horror with Laurence Vannicelli's feature, MOTHER, MAY I? This isn't your average run-of-the-mill fright-fest. Instead, it's an exploration into the human psyche, a dissection of personal fears, and an intricate study of the debilitating shadows cast by past traumas on present relationships. Vannicelli’s narrative is an eerie symphony that avoids the predictable, leading audiences down a labyrinth of suspense and uncertainty.

Kyle Gallner steals the spotlight as Emmett (he’s been so busy in the genre,) a man haunted by a troubled past, bothered by an unfortunate tragedy he is trying to work through. As he ventures back into his childhood dwelling, intending to get rid of it ultimately, he inadvertently reopens old wounds he had hoped time would heal. Anya joins him on this expedition, portrayed remarkably by Holland Roden in a noteworthy performance. Roden oscillates between the supportive partner and a hair-raising reminder of Emmett's deceased mother, genuinely keeping the audience on their toes.

Chris Mulkey adds another layer of intrigue to the mix as Bill, whose performance adds eeriness to the overall ambiance. The heart of the narrative, however, lies within the turbulent chemistry between Anya and Emmett, a once-loving relationship now teetering on the edge of toxicity, eclipsed by the specter of Emmett's mother.

MOTHER, MAY I? ventures into the dark alleys of psychological distress and its detrimental influence on relationships. As Emmett battles his internal demons, Anya's doubt creeps in, questioning his readiness to embrace fatherhood. This tangle of emotions and circumstances adds another dimension to their strained relationship.

As the story progresses, the boundaries between reality and hallucination dissolve, arousing curiosity and suspense among viewers. Is Anya's sudden change a curious therapeutic intervention, or is there something more to it? The increasingly splintered plotline keeps the tension at its peak, leaving viewers on edge until the end.

Vannicelli amplifies the film's unsettling atmosphere with cinematographer Craig Harmer, who helps render an ethereal luminosity to the old family residence, heightening Emmett's disorientation and entrapment.

Although the narrative mirrors Emmett's inner struggles, a more straightforward and swifter progression might help maintain audience engagement. The deliberate slow burn of the plot and lack of explanatory flashbacks can test some viewers' patience. However, the powerful performances by Roden and Gallner provide a lifeline, guiding the audience through the unnerving narrative.

MOTHER, MAY I? takes a deep dive into the terror-laden depths of broken trust, the relentless chase for truth, and the disturbing realms of mental unrest. The film’s horror doesn't lie in cheap scares but in the slow, calculated plunge into mental chaos. It unpacks the complexities of fractured relationships and the enduring scars of childhood traumas, illuminating the shadows they cast in our adult lives.

MOTHER, MAY I? holds its own in the vast sea of psychological horror films. While there are areas for potential refinements, such as pacing and narrative clarity, the film’s powerful exploration of intricate human relationships and the ghost of childhood trauma are undeniably gripping. Laying bare a toxic relationship and the wreckage of unaddressed emotional distress ensures a chilling resonance with the audience, lasting well after the closing credits.

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[photo courtesy of DARK SKY FILMS]