Umma (2022)

A Gripping Psychological Horror About Family, Guilt, and Legacy

Umma (2022), directed by Mike Flanagan, the mastermind behind hits like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, takes viewers on a psychological rollercoaster filled with supernatural elements, family trauma, and an exploration of the ghosts that haunt us—not just from the past, but from within. This chilling film centers around the complex relationship between a mother and daughter and dives deep into the idea of generational trauma. With a standout performance from Sandra Oh, Umma offers an unsettling experience that will linger with audiences long after the credits roll.

A Story of Guilt, Trauma, and Legacy

At the heart of Umma is Amanda (Sandra Oh), a woman who has spent years isolating herself from the world in a remote farmhouse, raising her daughter, Chris (Fivel Stewart). Amanda has a difficult past marked by the emotionally distant and abusive relationship she shared with her own mother. When Amanda’s estranged mother passes away, she receives a box of her mother’s belongings—an inheritance that forces her to confront the unresolved trauma of her childhood.

As Amanda sifts through her mother’s belongings, strange and unsettling occurrences begin to unfold, leading her to question whether her mother’s presence still lingers in her life. The supernatural elements at play seem deeply tied to Amanda's personal history, hinting at the idea that the ghosts of the past—both literal and metaphorical—continue to haunt her.

The word "Umma" itself, which means "mother" in Korean, represents not only the central figure in Amanda's life but also the fear and power that motherhood holds, both in a nurturing and destructive sense. The film becomes a meditation on how the relationship between mother and daughter can shape the future, particularly when the past is filled with pain and unresolved guilt.

The Haunting Mother-Daughter Relationship

One of the most fascinating aspects of Umma is its portrayal of the complex, often fraught relationship between mothers and daughters. Amanda is determined not to repeat the mistakes of her own mother. She strives to protect her daughter, Chris, from the emotional harm she herself endured. However, as the supernatural occurrences grow stronger, Amanda’s own sense of self is compromised, and her fears of becoming like her mother become ever more real.

Chris, in turn, becomes increasingly concerned about her mother’s mental state, especially as Amanda’s behavior becomes more erratic and she starts to see—and hear—things that others don’t. The tension between the characters builds as Amanda’s struggle to protect her daughter clashes with her fear of becoming the very thing she despises: her own mother.

This generational cycle of trauma is the film's emotional core. As Amanda’s anxiety grows, the film questions how much of our parents' behavior is passed down to us, and whether it’s possible to break free from that cycle. It’s a portrayal of how deeply family dynamics can affect our sense of identity and well-being.

Sandra Oh’s Chilling Performance

Sandra Oh’s portrayal of Amanda is a standout in Umma. Known for her iconic roles in Killing Eve and Grey’s Anatomy, Oh takes on a more subtle, layered character in this psychological thriller. Amanda’s journey from a seemingly composed woman to someone unraveling under the weight of her past is portrayed with nuance and depth.

As Amanda grapples with her mother’s haunting legacy, Oh’s performance moves from quiet anxiety to full-blown terror. She captures the fragility of a woman who is deeply conflicted—wanting to protect her daughter while also being paralyzed by the fear of repeating the same mistakes of her own mother. Her emotional range makes Amanda’s journey not just a supernatural one, but a deeply human one, rooted in trauma, guilt, and a desire for redemption.

Blending Psychological Horror with Supernatural Terror

Unlike many traditional horror films that rely on jump scares or gore, Umma is a slow-burning, psychological thriller. The horror in this film isn’t just about the ghosts or the haunting presence of Amanda’s mother; it’s about the psychological toll that trauma takes on the mind. The supernatural elements—strange occurrences, apparitions, and whispers—serve as a manifestation of Amanda’s inner turmoil, as well as her attempts to escape her own memories.

As Amanda’s mental state deteriorates, the film expertly blurs the lines between what’s real and what’s imagined. The film’s pacing allows the tension to build gradually, allowing viewers to experience Amanda’s psychological unraveling alongside her. The supernatural presence in the story is, at times, as much about her guilt as it is about her fear of becoming her mother—a specter that looms over every decision she makes.

Themes of Generational Trauma and Legacy

At its core, Umma is an exploration of how the wounds of the past shape the people we become, especially when it comes to family dynamics. The trauma passed down from one generation to the next is a recurring theme throughout the film. Amanda’s fear of becoming her mother is symbolic of how the legacies of our families are sometimes impossible to escape, no matter how hard we try.

The film also addresses how guilt can shape our decisions and our identities. Amanda’s struggle isn’t just with the supernatural; it’s with herself. The question of whether she is doomed to repeat her mother’s mistakes is one that plagues her throughout the film, creating a constant tension between wanting to protect her daughter and fearing that she will inevitably harm her in the same way her mother harmed her.

As Umma progresses, Amanda must face the uncomfortable truth that in trying to distance herself from her past, she may have been unknowingly repeating the same patterns she sought to avoid. The film asks the audience to reflect on how much of our past truly stays with us—and whether we can ever truly break free from it.

Conclusion: A Deep, Haunting Reflection on Family

Umma (2022) is more than just a supernatural horror film; it is a deeply emotional journey into the psyche of a woman haunted by her past and the fear of repeating it. Mike Flanagan’s direction ensures that the film doesn't just scare—it makes the audience confront the complexities of family, trauma, and the legacy we inherit.

With Sandra Oh’s masterful performance, Umma is both terrifying and thought-provoking, asking difficult questions about identity, motherhood, and the scars left by our families. It’s a film that stays with you long after the final scene, leaving you to wonder how much of your past shapes who you are—and how much of it you can escape.

For fans of psychological horror and emotional depth, Umma is a must-watch—a film that blends genuine terror with the unsettling realities of family dynamics.