Unraveling Family Trauma: Why You Should Watch *Goodnight Mommy* Now

A Haunting Return: Examining the Dread in *Goodnight Mommy*

When it comes to unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension, few films match the foreboding nature of *Goodnight Mommy*. Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, this chilling 2014 Austrian horror movie leaves audiences grasping for clarity amidst its murky layers of fear and trauma. Screening at the Coolidge Corner Theatre on August 23, this film serves not only as a suspenseful thriller but as a poignant reflection on family dynamics torn asunder by hidden pain.

Trauma and Disconnection: A Family Story

At the heart of *Goodnight Mommy* lies a harrowing exploration of trauma within a family shattered by grief. When a mother, portrayed hauntingly by Suzanne Wuest, returns home from surgery with her face bandaged, it marks not just a physical transformation but a notable emotional fracture. The warm embrace the twin boys, Elias and Lukas, recall is replaced by a chilling distance and an unsettling authoritarianism that leaves them questioning her identity. This narrative twist compels viewers to ponder: what happens to familial bonds in the face of insurmountable psychological barriers?

The Brothers' Haunting Dilemma

The twins' descent into suspicion is mirrored by their increasingly treacherous tactics. As they mirror their mother's harshness through pranks that escalate into acts of violence, we witness a terrifying cycle of behavior that suggests children often absorb the worst traits of their parents. The tension is palpable as the brothers interrogate their 'mother' to uncover the truth behind their undeniable fear, prompting a very real question for viewers: what lengths would you go to in search of an authentic connection?

Expert Craftsmanship: Creating Dread

Franz and Fiala expertly weave a sinister thread throughout the film. With a score that grates on the nerves and performances so raw they evoke visceral reactions, *Goodnight Mommy* is a masterclass in creating suspenseful horror without relying on overt gore. The emotional weight of the story resonates long after the credits roll, demonstrating that sometimes the monsters we fear most are those we already know.

A Must-See for Local Film Lovers

As it screens at the local Coolidge theatre, *Goodnight Mommy* invites audiences to confront their own family dynamics and the hidden traumas that shape them. It blends unsettling horror with genuine emotional depth, making it a significant entry into the realm of psychological thrillers. Don't miss the opportunity to witness a film that not only terrifies but also stimulates important conversations about family, trauma, and identity.

Interested in experiencing a film that digs deep into the psyche of trauma and familial connections? Make sure to catch *Goodnight Mommy* at the Coolidge!