The Moogai

This is way more than just your average horror film. It touches on family ties and separation (in this context the generational trauma from the stolen generation), addresses mental health issues (in this case post natal depression), the fears and joy of parenthood, the effects of racial bias on society, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her children.

The acting was SUPERB and I would be really surprised if the main actress doesn't get nominated for an award! The entire cast was brilliant and the cinematography was on point! At one point you couldn't tell whether what you were seeing was part of a dream sequence or whether it was reality. The CGI for the Moogai itself was disturbingly creepy, and will be forever embedded in my mind!

There is just one plot inconsistency that really didn't get resolved towards the end (much to my annoyance), but that didn't stop me from enjoying the overall production.

I really hope we get to see more First Nations themed horror movies in future! This was a real treat to go and see and I hope it gets screened at more theatres (as it stands, it's only showing at selected cinema and I hope that word of mouth can get more screenings into more theatres).

The Moogai is a standout in modern horror - a film that's not only chilling but deeply meaningful. Jon Bell blends Indigenous mythology with psychological horror in a way that feels both fresh and essential. Shari Sebbens delivers a powerful, emotionally layered performance, anchoring the film with quiet intensity.

The creature design and atmosphere are haunting, but what lingers most is the film's exploration of intergenerational trauma and the lingering shadows of Australia's past. It's a story that feels personal, political, and profoundly human.

If there's one flaw, it's that the pacing in the second act occasionally lags, momentarily softening the tension. Still, this is a bold and vital work - horror with a heart and a voice that demands to be heard.

Pity they didn't stick with practical effects, as simple works best with a story such as Moogai. I feel the original short works better for actual horror, in feature form it's more intense drama. The family dynamics offered a touch of endearing amusement, but actually worked quite well as a realistic balance of lost identity and modern corporate persona. Some of the more pointed lines felt overt and distracting; I agree the sentiment made sense with the placement, the phrasing just sounded committee and not familiar conversation. The white eyes and long arm element always proved most creepy, but none covered new horror territory. Tropes are tricky to avoid, but from memory the short didn't have this issue. Still, I would absolutely love to see more Australian horror with an indigenous perspective; I feel so many elements exist without even getting deep into the supernatural. I'm pleased the original short did well enough to find funding for a feature; looking forward to what comes next from the people involved in this project.