As I’ve mentioned before, the Welcome to the Blumhouse series continues to deliver some truly quality horror films and Madres was definitely one of my favorites. The film was directed by Ryan Zaragoza and written by Marcella Ochoa and Mario Miscione. It stars Tenoch Huerta, Ariana Guerra, Evelyn Gonzalez, Kerry Cahill, and Elpidia Carrillo. The film was executive produced by Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Lisa Bruce, Sanjay Sharma, and Matthew Myers.
Synopsis for Madres
Beto (Tenoch Huerta) and Diana (Ariana Guerra), a young Mexican-American couple expecting their first child, move to a small town in 1970’s California where Beto has been offered a job managing a farm. Isolated from the community and plagued by confusing nightmares, Diana explores the rundown company ranch where they reside, finding a grisly talisman and a box containing the belongings of the previous residents. Her discoveries will lead her to a truth much stranger and more terrifying than she could have possibly imagined.
I haven’t felt this much emotion for a film since I watch Amazon Prime’s THEM. This is both a good and bad thing. Madres was a beautiful, well-made horror film that touches on horrifying real-life events. It was heart-wrenching and made me absolutely livid. Also, without any spoilers, I just want to mention that there are some truly triggering scenes in this film, so watch with caution. If you can make it through those hard parts, Madres is truly an important watch.
Both Tenoch Huerta and Ariana Guerra deliver heart-wrenching, emotionally driven, and phenomenal performances. They had great chemistry and you can feel their support for one another throughout the film even when Tenoch’s character has doubts about his wife, he still stands by her side. There are some truly horrid villains throughout the film and you’ll see why.
This film isn’t bloody and gory in normal horror terms, but there are some scenes that are shocking and terrifying and simply can’t be unseen. It’s more of a psychological mindfuck and will truly haunt you. In many ways, it can be compared to Gigi Saul Guerrero’s Culture Shock (read my review – HERE). Both are about films that are controlling a specific group of people and it’s horrifying. I also loved the supernatural aspect that the film delivers as well. It really helps you keep guessing and makes the twists and turns that much better.
If you love horror for more than just blood and guts, especially ones that push the limits and deliver true horror stories based on real-life things, Madres is for you… if you can stomach it. Be sure to check out Madres now on can Amazon Prime. Let us know what you think!