Home Is Where the Horror Is

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MOVIE REVIEW
Its Name Was Mormo
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Genre: Adventure, Horror, Mystery
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Mark Andrew Bowers
Cast: Mark Andrew Bowers, Mia Bowers, Marcela Cardenas, Diana Cardenas,
Where To Watch: in select theaters on November 9, 2024, followed by a digital release on November 26

RAVING REVIEW: In the vortex of found footage horror, Mark Andrew Bowers presents a new entry into the genre with ITS NAME WAS MORMO, interweaving the everyday domestic life with the spine-chilling lore of ancient myths. Distributed by Uncork'd Entertainment, the film presents a domestic setting transformed into an arena of psychological warfare as a family grapples with the evil spirit of Mormo, which incrementally plants chaos in their once-peaceful home. In the infamous words of the Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies, "It's all been done, done before." There were a lot of interesting concepts here, but as a whole, we've seen everything this story had to offer before, and the film didn't expand enough to leave its mark.

From the get-go, ITS NAME WAS MORMO strikes a chord. As the Bowers family, playing themselves, confront a deepening darkness, the moments of their daily life become a canvas for horror. The naturalistic portrayal of these events lends the film an air of authenticity that’s as unsettling yet engaging as they capture their ordeal; the lines between reality and fiction blur, drawing the viewer into a tense narrative.

ITS NAME WAS MORMO offers a solid enough build-up of suspense without resorting to conventional jump scares. The confines of the family home become a labyrinth of potential frights, with each shadow and silence loaded with ominous possibilities. This backdrop magnifies each family member’s fear, particularly Marcela, whose paranoia escalates, and Mark, who becomes increasingly alert to an unseen menace. This escalation of fear, crafted without reliance on high-tech effects, forges a connection with the audience that is both intimate and harrowing. Bowers opts for practical effects that enhance the film’s realism by rejecting the digital trickery typical of many modern-day horror films. This choice is bolstered by a sound design, where even the slightest noises—a whisper, a footstep—are amplified to evoke a creeping dread.

ITS NAME WAS MORMO combines psychological insight with mythological horror, providing an intriguing perspective on the found footage format. The film entertains and invites viewers to explore the darker recesses of human fear, where the familiar becomes ominous. The Bowers family's performances help offer the movie a more profound sense of authenticity. Their real-life bond injects a layer of earnestness into the narrative, making their fear and confusion all the more affecting. This authentic "casting" enhances the film’s ability to immerse viewers, making the horror feel all the more real.

Keith Leopard, president of Uncork'd Entertainment, has commended the film for breaking new ground in storytelling and maintaining a gripping tension that marks a significant evolution in the horror genre. Bowers’s directorial style, characterized by minimalistic lighting and tight framing, intensifies the film's claustrophobic atmosphere. This deliberate manipulation of cinematography ensures that viewers are more than mere observers—they become participants in a chilling narrative.

ITS NAME WAS MORMO, a deep dive into the psyche of fear itself. It challenges viewers to confront their concerns while providing a gripping, thought-provoking experience. For those who appreciate horror that combines intellectual stimulation with genuine fright, this film is a standout, redefining what we expect from the genre.

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[photo courtesy of UNCORK’D ENTERTAINMENT, MYTHACRAFT STUDIOS]

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