Genre:
Drama/Horror/Mystery/Thriller
Rating:
PG-13
Release Date:
March 18, 2022
DVD/Blu-Ray Release Date:
May 24, 2022
Run Time:
1 hour 23 minutes
Directed by:
Iris K. Shim
Production Co.:
Catchlight Studios, Raimi Productions, Stage 6 Films, Starlight Media
Distribution Co.:
Sony Pictures
Social Media:
Cast:
Sandra Oh, Fivel Stewart, Dermot Mulroney, Odeya Rush, MeeWha Alana Lee, Tom Yi
Plot Summary:
Umma, which is the Korean word for “mother,” follows Amanda (Sandra Oh) and her daughter (Fivel Stewart) living a quiet life on an American farm, but when the remains of her estranged mother arrive from Korea, Amanda becomes haunted by the fear of turning into her own mother.
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*My Thoughts*
Umma is a movie following a mother and daughter on their somewhat isolated bee farm, starring Sandra Oh and Fivel Stewart as Amanda and Chris respectively. The first few minutes are a quick introduction but immediately introduces Umma who will cause some supernatural trouble. After Amanda’s mother dies, her ashes are brought to the farm for a final and proper ceremony to put her soul to rest, but Umma’s spirit still lingers to see what has become of her daughter after so many years of animosity. Amanda’s daughter, Chris, knows very little to nothing of her grandmother or even the outside world because Amanda had been sheltering and home schooling her since she was a child. The only communication they have is with a local shop owner, Danny, who helps them with their groceries, selling their harvested honey, and occasionally keeps the two company when his niece comes to visit.
On the surface it seems a little plain, it uses a few jump scares, but Umma also uses clever patterns that show Amanda becomes what she fears the most, her mother. There are indications of trauma due to childhood abuse and gaslighting that cause Amanda to pass on the abuse to Chris. Unfortunately, it is up to Chris’s character to break said patterns and end the cycle of emotional abuse to gain her independence. The more Chris tries to break away from Amanda though, the stronger Umma’s hold on Amanda strengthens causing both to fear for their lives. Eventually, Amanda’s dismay to Chris wanting to leave for college gives Umma the opportunity to possess Amanda.
The supernatural aspect of Umma helps drive home the message of healing old wounds and gives Amanda and Chris opportunities to build a healthier relationship. Even Umma is at peace when Chris influences Amanda to break free. Although they respect Umma for helping bring them life and making them who they are, Amanda and Chris eventually help her pass on with a traditional ceremony. I would say the overall entertainment value is a three out of five stars, it’s a bit tepid throughout and no scene throughout the movie became memorable, but the execution and message are a five out of five.
My rating:
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