Director: Tate Taylor
Writer: Scotty Landes
Cast: Octavia Spencer, Juliette Lewis, Diana Silvers, and McKaley Miller
Sue Ann, a lonely older woman befriends a group of local teens, in what appears to be a vain attempt at reclaiming her youth. Hiding her true intentions with generosity, she buys their affections with booze and the use of her basement. Her jovial nature disintegrates as she slowly unravels into insanity. The presence of the teens reopens old wounds, causing her to painfully relive her unpleasant past, revealing layers of secrets and betrayal. As she descends into madness the teens try desperately to distance themselves and find they are unable to disconnect. Sue Ann may have been unpopular in her youth, but she’s older and wiser this time around and this time she will not be ignored. These kids will learn to love her, even if it kills them.
Octavia Spencer stars as the emotionally disturbed Sue Ann. In this role, Octavia Spencer flexes her considerable acting muscles digging deep to find her inner psychopath. Fans know Spencer for her roles in modern classics, The Help, and Hidden Figures. The Academy Award winner is often typecast in similar roles as a strong woman with wit and wisdom. The character of Sue Ann is a big departure from these roles, giving audiences a glimpse at an unexpected darker side to the beloved actress. Spencer’s big doe eyes are usually filled with warmth and wisdom. As Ma, her gaze takes a sinister turn and is often blank and cold like the eyes of a predator. Spencer likely drew her inspiration for Ma from her adoration of murder television shows and her considerable knowledge of serial killers. For the bulk of her career, Spencer has been a phenomenal supporting actress, Ma is hopefully a cataclysmic leap into more leading roles. Her range is incredible and her ability to humanize the terrifying Sue Ann is uncanny.
Director Tate Taylor is responsible for securing the role for Spencer. As one of her closest friends, he knew she would be perfect for the role. In a recent interview with IMDB, he recalls reading the script and knowing instinctively she would be perfect for the part. The role was originally written for a white woman but Taylor suggested Spencer, opening the door to a unique opportunity for the actress to demonstrate her range and take her first stab at a lead role. Ma is a horror masterpiece filled with suspense. Under Taylor’s direction, the film has a realism that adds to its creepy subject matter. The director describes the pace of the film as a “slow burn”, which was necessary to tell Ma’s unique story. Though intriguing from the start the pace allows the audience to get familiar with the other characters as Sue Ann slowly loses her grip on reality. The “slow burn” eventually culminates in an explosive finale of gruesome torture and mayhem.
As with many films of the genre, there is an underlying message. The film tackles several issues including, bullying, loneliness, teen alcoholism, and the dangers of social media. Each issue is dealt with in a way that is familiar without being preachy or overly dramatic. Drawing from their own experiences, the creative forces behind this film sought to tell a story that would resonate with all ages. The premise of the creepy adult is one which many may find familiar and particularly unsettling. Teens often struggle to find a place to be themselves both physically and metaphorically, this film magnifies that struggle by giving this group of youngsters much more than they bargained for.
MA hits theaters this Friday, May 31, 2019.