Other Mommy Reactions Describe Jessica Chastain Horror Movie As "More Silly Than Scary" & "Truly Dreadful"

So a weird thing is happening when it comes to “Other Mommy,” starring Jessica Chastain. The review embargo has technically lifted, and anyone can publish a review or post their thoughts on social media, except the film hasn’t been screened for press yet. And previews start tonight!

via: CBM

Director Rob Savage's supernatural horror movie starring Jessica Chastain, Other Mommy, arrives in theaters this weekend, and the first reactions have now hit social media.

The story focuses on a young girl, Bela, who forms a relationship with a mysterious demonic entity who looks exactly like her own mother (Chastain plays both roles).

An embargo lifting this close to a movie's release isn't usually a great sign, and while a few critics/influencers did have good things to say about Other Mommy, many felt that it was "more silly than scary" - and that's one of the less scathing reactions.

Regardless, horror movies tend to do well in the run-up to Halloween, and Other Mommy is expected to claim the No. 1 spot at the North American box office with a solid $20 million debut.

Other Mommy is based on the 2024 novel Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman, and also stars Jay Duplass, Arabella Olivia Clark, Dichen Lachman, Arian Moayed, and Karen Allen.

"The great thing about Jessica is she is an absolute horror fan, and she completely understands the assignment," Savage said of his lead in a recent interview. "She knows exactly what you’re doing. You can go up to her and say, 'Well, we need the audience to feel this. We want them to think that you’re the mother character, but just give us like 5% distrust. Give us 5% other mommy so the audience will lean forward.' She’s like, 'Okay, watch this,' and you’ll be looking at the monitor and she’s got it. She’s able to just achieve that technicality that horror needs, whilst at the same time giving this really raw, emotional performance, both as other mommy and as Ursula, the mother character. It’s an incredibly emotional movie, as well as a terrifying one. Being able to switch between those two modes so seamlessly was when we knew the movie was going to work."

Check out the Twitter review posts below.

Other Mommy is scheduled to be released in the United States on October 9, 2026. Do you plan on seeing this on the big screen?