Mother Nocturna is for you if you like psychological horror, art house indie vibes, or slow burns. Directed by Daniele Campea, the film follows Agnese, a wolf biologist recovering from a mental institution stay. Over the course of the film, we witness her attempt to reconnect with her family spiral into a surreal journey where reality blurs. Both Agnese and the audience are left questioning what’s real.
Let’s talk about the atmosphere. The film is still, almost like a painting, making you wonder if the screen froze. The camera barely moves, much like after eating a huge meal. Campea’s minimalist, stark style sets a tone where emotion and internal conflict drive the story. Then the sound design kicks in with bursts of unnerving music just when you least expect it. This creates tension, reminding you that calm is only temporary, and madness is lurking nearby. It’s a perfect balance between sensory overload and eerie quiet.
Agnese, played by Susanna Costaglione, has a truly awful week. She battles her mental health, a menacing moon, and visions of a godlike figure from druidic nightmares. Campea keeps it ambiguous, leaving you to question whether it’s all in her head. Her family’s unsure whether she’ll be okay or if they need to lock their doors at night.
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Thematically, Mother Nocturna taps into primal fears of losing control and family bonds slipping away. The wolf imagery connects to Agnese’s profession but also mirrors her wild, chaotic mind. Her battle with the moon echoes ancient myths of madness and transformation, invoking familiar archetypes in unsettling ways.
Though it’s slow, the film rewards patience. Mother Nocturna densely packed with with depth, so if you’re expecting monsters and gore, this won’t be for you. But if you like your horror thoughtful and drenched in mythology, this will give you plenty to ponder. Campea doesn’t hold your hand, which might frustrate some viewers. For those willing to dive deep, though, there’s a lot to chew on.
To sum it up: Mother Nocturna is not your average horror movie. If you’re in the mood for a slow, unsettling trip, it’s worth a watch. Just be prepared to leave feeling haunted—and a bit confused about the whole moon thing. But, hey, that’s horror for you!
Mother Nocturna is available to stream now on Prime Video.
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