Opened: May 31, 2019

Directed by: Tate Taylor

Starring: Octavia Spencer, Diana Silvers, McKaley Miller, Corey Fogelmanis, Juliette Lewis, Luke Evans, Gianni Paolo, Dante Brown, Missi Pyle, Tanyell Waivers, Dominic Burgess & Allison Janney

Though it gives off negative vibes from the start and features a stunning performance from Octavia Spencer, Ma waivers with a flawed storyline that never quite makes it the perfect horror film.

After buying a group of teenagers alcohol, Sue Ann (Spencer) invites them to come party in her basement and call her “Ma.” While it starts off innocently, Maggie (Diana Silvers) notices some oddities, but is too late as Ma starts to torture her and her friends.

Spencer is enough to cover up the flaws of the film. Her performance will have your skin crawling and make you feel a tinge of sorrow while you’re hating her.

The film doesn’t rely heavily on jump scares and instead is more of a psychological game. In doing this, the terror is more palpable.

Final say: A love-hate relationship with Ma. ★★★☆☆