Jessica Chastain's ‘Other Mommy' faces harsh early reviews ahead of release

Rob Savage's horror film is based on Josh Malerman's novel 'Incidents Around the House' Early reactions to Jessica Chastain's horror film Other Mommy have arrived, with several reviewers criticising its jump scares, visual effects and story ahead of its US release. The Universal and Blumhouse production stars Chastain in a dual role as a mother whose daughter, played by Arabella Olivia Clark, is haunted by a demonic entity. Rob Savage directs it, which is based on Josh Malerman's novel Incidents Around the House. The movie is receiving mixed responses from early viewers, including international influencers, awards bloggers and Rotten Tomatoes critics. Several reactions have been negative, with reviewers questioning its screenplay and execution. The Jam Report gave Other Mommy 1.5 out of 5, describing its finale as unintentionally funny and criticising what it called ineffective jump scares, weak CGI and increasingly confusing storytelling. Screen Space also awarded the film 1.5 out of 5, citing its pacing, direction and what it considered an unclear message. The review also accused the film of borrowing from Tobe Hooper's Poltergeist. The AU Review gave the film 2 out of 5. It praised Savage's technical ambition and sequences involving perspective and physical space, but argued that the storytelling did not match those strengths. Other reactions have been kinder. The Matinee Show called the premise creepy and noted some unsettling moments, while Goldwin Reviews awarded the film 4 out of 5 and praised its ambition and thematic depth. Savage previously said the film contains around 50 jump scares, a detail that has become part of the discussion around its reception. Despite the early criticism, Other Mommy is expected to perform strongly at the box office. The film is projected to open with around $20m. Official US critics screenings are taking place shortly before the film opens on Friday, meaning a fuller picture of the critical response is expected as additional reviews arrive.