As a huge horror fan, I'm crazy excited about upcoming horror film 'Mama', which stars current industry fave Jessica Chastain in yet another unusual role choice. 'Mama' is about a young couple who adopt their two nieces after they were found lost in the woods after five years. It seems however that something wants them back and the girls believe that this ghostly force is their mother. Guillermo Del Toro serves as executive producer on the project and he's had a lot of success with similar films in the past, including 'The Orphanage' and 'Pan's Labyrinth'. The feature length version of 'Mama' is based upon a Spanish language short from 2008, both of which are directed by Andres Muschietti.
When I began watching this short, I was sceptical that anything of roughly three minutes in length could affect me much but believe me when I say that the original short version of 'Mama' is one of the scariest things I have seen in a long time. And that's from someone who loves horror films. I can't say much more without spoiling its impact so click below to see Del Toro introduce the short, followed by the film itself. Nappies are highly recommended.
World cinema has been at the forefront of horror for some time now but nothing has scared me like this short since the original 'Ringu' from Japan. To read more about Spanish language horror films that will scare the crap out of you, click here. But what did you think of 'Mama'? Is it the scariest short film you have ever seen or am I just a wuss? And what do you think about the feature length version of 'Mama'? Will it be as good as the original? Here's the trailer for the 2013 release.
Let me know what you think by commenting, liking and sharing below. Thanks!
Update 25/01/13; Thanks to a comment you can read below, I just discovered that there is a slightly longer version of the original short which includes an extra scene at the end. The best version I could find is a bit fuzzy but here's the link to it on youtube anyway. There's also this better version you can find on Vimeo here; http://vimeo.com/57714010.
Do you prefer the addition of this final scene or does it spoil the ending for you? Let me know!
Fleur 16 January 2013 at 16:45
I watched the short film first and i wasn't to sure what to make of it, but after watching the trailer I'm most Deffonietly sold! Plus I love pans labyrinth which gives me even more high hopes for this film! Great review David and thanks for the recommendation!
Cant believe you weren't sure about the short film but glad you enjoyed the review! I can't wait for the full length version either!!!
I watched the short film but not in this video, and there was one more part that is missing here. The last part of the short film was Lily after not hearing anymore moises, starting to open the door and seeing a Victoria with Mama's spirit... I thought that was the scariest part of the short film
Brilliant, thanks for that. I had no idea! I've amended the post above to include a link to the full version which you describe, although the quality isn't fantastic. It was great to see the longer version but I kind of prefer not knowing how it ends with the other version.
Thanks for commenting though! Look forward to hearing from you again.
Short film was great...sold me on full length feature film. Needless to say, I saw the full length feature and the whole thing was a dis-jointed mess. The ending was horrible. I love Guillermo Del Toro, but am disappointed in the film.
Argh no! I haven't seen it yet as I'm still waiting for the UK release but yeah I am worried it'll be a big disappointment...but Jessica Chastain is so good normally!!! Glad you still love Del Toro, what's your favourite film of his?
can you give me link the lenght Mama spain movie? love your review btw.
Cheers. Took me a little while but found the full length short here http://vimeo.com/57714010 Enjoy!