"Goodnight Mommy" Review.

When the trailer for Goodnight Mommy (or it's original German title, Ich Seh Ich Seh) was first released, the internet went crazy for what looked like possibly one of the creepiest horror films since Dario Argento's Suspiria. Therefore when I heard the film was finally released, I couldn't wait to see this new Austrian horror from directors Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala. However, there is a massive contrast between the actual film and the film presented in the trailer. From the trailer, I myself and many others had a feeling of what to expect within the film, however once it gets halfway through it's second act, Goodnight Mommy throws a curve ball that not many people will expect. It is not exactly the film that is presented in the trailer but this acts as an advantage as it only adds to the films shock value. Although many people may be disappointed that they did not get the film that they had hoped for, the majority of people will appreciate the fact that they have been given something even better.
The film follows twins, Elias and Lukas (Elias and Lukas Schwarz) who begin to notice strange changes in their mother's (Susanne Wuest) behaviour when she arrives home after receiving facial reconstruction surgery. Soon the boys conclude that this is not their mother and they begin to investigate what's really going on. Initially this is what viewers would have expected, but once the film gets into it's second act things begin to change and that's when the real psychological terror begins. However, as this is a spoiler free review I'll say no more about that and let you watch the film for yourself. The Schwarz twins give an excellent performance from start to finish, struggling to cope with their mother's drastic personality change. Elias comes across as the more innocent of the two while his brother Lukas is the more manipulative one. As for the eponymous Mommy, Susanne Wuest gives a chilling performance in the first act, looking even more menacing with her bandaged face, however by the third act her talents are truly evident.
The film uses the theme of loss heavily throughout as the boys have this constant notion that their beloved mother has been replaced by something much more sinister. This theme becomes key in the films climax when viewers discover what is really going on. There is also theme of trauma as the events are set off by a road accident involving the family. The atmosphere is very tense from start to finish and the third act will have viewers on the edge of their seats at certain points, the entire third act itself is very reminiscent of a Hitchcockian isolated thriller. Although the film can be slow at parts, particularly in the first act and the beginning of the second act, it is definitely worth it once the third act begins. The directorial duo of Franz and Fiala show off their talents in this film as, despite it's horrific nature, the film is a pleasure to watch from start to finish taking place in the beautiful Austrian countryside. I believe the film has already been nominated for the Academy Award for best foreign-language film so the duo's talents may be recognized during awards season.
Goodnight Mommy is not the film that viewers will expect, it is something a lot better. Although in the first act one may think they know what's in store, eventually things take an even darker turn and viewers will be left on the edge of their seats while watching this isolated thriller. Although it is slow in the beginning, the tension gradually rises until the film's insidious climax. The film is both dark and disturbing (there is a particular scene involving superglue) but at the same time it is beautiful to watch due to it's cinematography and countryside setting. Although it may not be the film that you expect, it's tense and dark atmosphere along with it's talented cast and clever story all contribute to making Goodnight Mommy a beautiful yet disturbing horror film.