“How Does It Feel to Be On the Outside Lookin’ In? – Sue Ann Ellington

The 2019 psychological horror Ma, directed by Tate Taylor (The Help, The Girl on the Train, Ava), follows an isolated veterinary assistant who generously invites a group of jaded teenagers into her home to party away from prying eyes, yet discreetly harbours a sinister motive for doing so.

While Octavia Spencer admittedly delivers a committed, unsettling performance, the film’s underbaked ideas, lifeless teenage characters and total lack of suspense keep it from living up to its simple premise. With futile scares and a superficial exploration of childhood trauma and revenge, Ma flunks as the chilling character study it so desperately wants to be. Rating: 2/10.