I must clarify to potential viewers that this is NOT a horror film. It is a macabre drama that borders on being a thriller due to the general sense of unease that is felt throughout the film. There are no ghosts, corpses, monsters, or chainsaw-toting serial killers to pop into frame for a jump-scare. If that's what you are looking for then look elsewhere.
Mommy's Little Monster is psychologically tense but not "intense". It manages to be both low key and edgy. If you enjoyed Revolutionary Road, The Number 23, Audrey Rose, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, May, or A Beautiful Mind then you'll likely enjoy the mood and flow of this film.
During the first 30 minutes, it's difficult to pinpoint the decade during which the piece is set. Visually, first seems that it may be set in the late 50's. It's actually set in present day but this visual aspect was no doubt intentional.
I was pleased to see actress Karen Black. I have not seen her since she played Mother Firefly in House of 1000 Corpses. In this film too, she plays a demented mother. She is presented to us in the form of visions and flashbacks.
The film focuses on 3 main characters: An intelligent but mentally ill man who has been prematurely released from an asylum and left to struggle for normalcy, his bizarre female neighbor who is an unaccomplished photographer and relentless alcoholic, and lastly - the mans uncle who is given to bad decision making and deeply in debt because of gambling. Principles central to the story relate to the burial and unearthing of the past, strict restraint and the loss of self control, and the eventual consequences of ones strengths and weaknesses. There is a final principle which will not be foreseen in the film, it only presents itself at the end.
There are some narrations scattered throughout, in the form of our mentally ill lead character writing in his journal. I did not find this done intrusively or distastefully like many other films. They're thoughtful musings and insights without which, we'd be somewhat bewildered during our leads long silences.
This film lacks a climax, it steadily idles on "uneasy". I would still say that the plot is well written though. I remained engaged in the story and in the characters, and was constantly a little on edge wondering what may eventually happen. I think the film intended to pack some emotional blows at the end, but it was a feeble attempt.
