Directed by Tate Taylor, ‘Ma’ is a horror-thriller of 2019 featuring the likes of Octavia Spencer, Diana Silvers, Juliette Lewis, McKaley Miller, Cory Fogelmanis, Gianni Paolo, Dante Brown, Tanyell Waivers, Luke Evans, and more. The movie follows the story of Sue Ann, who concocts a plan to escape her isolated existence. She befriends a group of teenagers and invites them into her home for what seems like a harmless gathering.
However, this seemingly innocent invitation takes a dark turn as Sue Ann harbors a hidden agenda that could shatter their lives. As the movie unfolds, it delves into the suspenseful exploration of Sue Ann’s disturbing secrets and the terrifying reality faced by the unwitting teens who have become ensnared in her dangerous web. The film’s tension and suspense keep the audience on the edge of their seats, offering a chilling depiction of hidden motives and the horrifying consequences that can follow. Given its realistic exploration of weighty themes, such as depression and sexual assault, one might wonder if ‘Ma’ is based on real events. Here are the facts.
Ma is a Fictional Story
‘Ma’ is a fictional story crafted by Scotty Landes. Tate Taylor, a notable Hollywood filmmaker renowned for his exceptional work in suspense-thrillers, takes on the role of director, infusing ‘Ma’ with high-paced suspense and a captivating ambiance that make it a definite must-watch. Taylor’s name has become synonymous with success in the industry, having worked on hits like ‘The Girl on the Train,’ ‘Winter’s Bone,’ ‘Love & Distrust,’ ‘Pretty Ugly People,’ and ‘Wannabe.’ The movie features Octavia Spencer, an Academy Award-winning actress and producer whose remarkable acting skills render ‘Ma’ a haunting masterpiece. Octavia Spencer, a longtime friend of Taylor, was his immediate choice to portray the character of Su Ann.
Taylor stated during an interview that Octavia Spencer desperately wanted to break away from the stereotypical roles she was consistently being offered. Taylor recalls that the opportunity for this change knocked on his door when a unique script caught his attention. Recognizing that the role of the antagonist in the script would be a perfect fit for Octavia, he initiated a connection with producer Jason Blum and presented the script for ‘Ma.’ The script’s unconventional approach to the horror genre, coupled with an unexpected twist, impressed both Octavia and Jason. Octavia eagerly jumped on the bandwagon, seeing it as a significant departure from the virtuous characters she had predominantly portrayed until then.
Taylor continued- “What about Octavia Spencer?” And he said, “You think she would do it?” And I said, “I know she would do it.” And I go out in the hall and call my friend Octavia and ask her if she wants to be in a horror movie. She goes, “So I get killed in the first seven minutes like black people always do.” And I said, “Not only do you not get killed, you kill everybody.” And she said, “I don’t even have to read this thing. I’m in.”
Taylor also opened up about the challenges he faced while directing the movie. As per Taylor, in the world of filmmaking, the central challenge always revolves around the budget and, consequently, the time available for production. This heavily influences the creative process. Taylor mentioned that during the finale, he faced a significant hurdle: completing all the scenes in the basement in just one day. The basement scene was intricate, involving numerous elements and shots, featuring more than 7-8 actors. Taylor also revealed why he likes working with the same actors and actresses repeatedly. According to Taylor, it’s enjoyable and rewarding, and they possess exceptional talent.
Taylor further stated- “If you’re gonna work on things like this, and movies that you love that are hard to make, you’ve gotta have your family. That’s why I keep working with the same actors and actresses, over and over and over again. It’s fun. And they’re good. Not everybody gets an invite back. Juliette Lewis is just a cool, good person, and she’s so good at this. You would think that would be the throwaway mom role, but when she busts those guys making out, people just laugh.”
‘Ma’ marked another collaboration between Octavia Spencer and Taylor, following their successful partnership on ‘The Help,’ a project that earned Octavia an Oscar win. Given their prior successful collaboration, ‘Ma’ presented an exciting opportunity for them to work together once again, this time exploring a different genre and character dynamic. When asked about how she approached the role of Sue Ann since it was a huge departure from her previous roles- Octavia Stated- “You know, I didn’t approach it at all as a horror film. To sell her for me, in order to believe that she goes from Point A to Point Z, I had to build her character based on all of the things that she went through mentally. And so I didn’t approach it – because then I probably would have found myself walking through rooms [like a monster]. So I had to ground her in her reality.”
Despite its classification as a horror movie, ‘Ma’ delves into thought-provoking themes and serious subjects, giving the audience a lot to ponder. The film skillfully explores topics such as death, the repercussions of one’s actions, the devastating impact of bullying, and the powerful desire for revenge. The narrative sheds light on how bullying and cruel pranks can drastically alter the trajectory of a person’s life. Su Ann, during her formative years, was a bright and ambitious student, nurturing dreams of success and a promising future. However, her life took a devastating turn due to a malicious prank orchestrated by a classmate.
This heartless act shattered her self-confidence and inflicted severe damage on her mental well-being. The aftermath of this cruel prank left Su Ann isolated, devoid of genuine emotions, and consumed by a desire for retribution against those who had wronged her. The film skillfully portrays how a single act of cruelty can have a lasting, detrimental impact on an individual’s life, forever altering their sense of self and direction. Su Ann’s story in ‘Ma’ underscores the importance of empathy and understanding the far-reaching consequences of one’s actions, creating a sobering reflection on the darker aspects of human behavior.
So, in a nutshell, ‘Ma’ is a work of fiction and not based on real events. However, it effectively explores and addresses serious and thought-provoking themes such as bullying, the enduring repercussions of past actions, and the powerful desire for revenge. These themes, interwoven with the eerie and suspenseful ambiance of the movie, serve to provoke discussions among the audience. The film underscores the idea that one cannot escape the consequences of one’s past, even if many years have passed. It offers a chilling reminder that actions and experiences from the past continue to hold power and can resurface, impacting lives in unexpected and haunting ways.
