Motherhood In Horror: 7 Films on the Dark Side of Parenting
Just when you thought being a mom wasn’t scary enough
Moms are scary. Being a mom is scary. The maternal experience is already a uniquely terrifying endeavor without the added challenges of mental illness, curses, ghosts, and ghouls. But blending those elements together can make for a very cathartic adventure in storytelling.
The following horror movies are distinct examples of the struggles women face in pregnancy, parenthood, and personal identity. Enjoy a blend of indie titles, foreign film, and new releases that haven’t had much time in the spotlight.
1. Raging Grace (2023)
Single mother Joy (Max Eigenmann) struggles to care for her daughter as an undocumented Filipina immigrant in the UK. With Joy working as a caretaker, the two surreptitiously squat between houses with every placement. That is until she unexpectedly scores a new live-in position for a wealthy senior. The only caveat: Joy must hide her daughter from the terminally ill client and his adult niece. But the estate, haunted by a complex history with Filipino workers, has a few secrets of its own.
This film acts as a clever commentary on the harmful spectrum of racism and cultural fetishism. But it also explores the heartache and challenges of being a single, immigrant parent. And even with all those heavy topics in mind, Raging Grace is an intriguing horror flick that anyone can enjoy.
2. Blood (2022)
After regaining custody of her son and daughter, Jess (Michelle Monaghan) and her children move into an old family farmhouse. But the shift isn’t easy. Balancing her life as a mother, nurse, and recovering addict, Jess strives to connect with her kids and earn their father’s trust. Which is all the more strained when Owen (Finlay Wojtak-Hissong) becomes sick after a dog bite — and begins to develop some peculiar cravings.
I won’t lie to you; this story is sad. But it’s also highly enthralling and thought-provoking. How far a parent will go to keep their child alive is a horror genre all on its own. And the performances in this one are perfect.
3. Prevenge (2016)
A little less sad and a bit more funny, Prevenge is about an expecting widow looking to avenge her husband’s death. Guided by the chilling voice of her unborn child, Ruth (Alice Lowe) follows her fetus’ directions to fulfill their revenge. But what will happen when the hit list is complete, and the baby is born? It might not be what you’re expecting.
This dark-humoured slasher is a strange yet entertaining reflection on relationships, guilt, grief, and pregnancy. Fun fact: Alice Lowe was indeed pregnant during filming, and her own newborn child portrays Ruth’s daughter.
4. Never Let Go (2024)
Young Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins) and Nolan (Percy Daggs IV) have only known a life of extreme caution when it comes to the outdoors. But after a near-miss with an unseen entity, Nolan begins to question his Momma’s warnings. Are June’s (Halle Berry) strict limitations really saving them from a malevolent force? Or is her delusional attachment forcing her sons into a lonely cage of famine and fear?
The atmosphere of this film does an exceptional job at emboldening the suspense, confusion, and panic of this story. It’s also rife with symbolism and well-placed scares. Overall, it’s a great horror flick that blurs the line between mental illness and “true evil.”
5. Resurrection (2022)
Rebecca Hall stunts an incredible performance as single mother Margaret in this psychological thriller. The depiction of this protagonist is a version of women we rarely see on the big screen, but Andrew Semans did a wonderful job writing her. She has a strong, commanding presence with a stoic attitude and cold disposition. But she also sways between controlling and traumatized, to nurturing and self-sufficient. She just feels real. And that’s what makes this movie so impressive, and so disturbing.
Margaret leads a disciplined lifestyle as a mother and businesswoman. But when an abusive ex-boyfriend appears at a work conference, her well-ordered life begins to unravel. Now she must protect her 18-year-old daughter, and herself, from the traumas of her past.
6. Hatching (2022)
This Finnish body horror (also known as Pahanhautoja) follows 12-year-old Tinja (Siiri Solalinna) and her seemingly idyllic family. But with a mother (Sophia Heikkilä) consumed by vlogging their “spotless” life, the pressures of her perfectionism begin to take their toll. And it certainly doesn’t help that Tinja is hiding a mysterious egg in her bedroom.
Contrasted by fluffy dresses and floral wallpaper, this piece is surprisingly frightening. It does an excellent job reflecting on the stressors that mothers face, and in turn, place upon their daughters. It’s a disturbing showcase of how some parents try to rewrite their own experiences by living vicariously through their children — and ultimately bring about their downfall with each generation.
7. Birth/Rebirth (2023)
I must have heard about this movie a hundred times before I got the courage to see it. And I’m glad I finally did. Although this was a hard watch at times, it’s my top recommendation for this list. The unique relationship dynamics, complex characters, and ethical dilemmas make this movie a masterpiece. It’s a sad ride, but it’s worth the trip.
The world of Celie (Judy Reyes) is rocked when her daughter Lila (A.J. Lister) unexpectedly dies at just five-years-old. But when her body is stolen by a pathologist from the morgue, an unlikely alliance is formed. Now Dr. Rose Casper (Marin Ireland) and nurse Celie must work together to sustain Lila’s reanimated corpse. But how far will they go to preserve their shared interest?
For more female-forward horror flicks, checkout Blood, Fear, and Femininity: 7 Woman-Centric Horror Movies. If you have any other maternal horror movies to recommend, or thoughts on the films listed above, please share them in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
