⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
With at least sixty-five thousand years of storytelling in Australia, Aboriginal culture is rich with untold stories and worlds beyond our comprehension that deserve preservation. A view not held by many at the time The Moogai takes inspiration from. The stolen generation was an oppressive and sinister time in Australian history, and the effects are still felt among many communities today. This backdrop of pain and suffering is the canvas that director Jon Bell uses to paint his horror story about generational trauma, motherhood and cultural conflict.
Based upon the short film of the same name, The Moogai follows a young Aboriginal couple, Sarah (Shari Sebbens) and Fergus (Meyne Wyatt), after the birth of their second child. Soon after the birth, Sarah starts to see a malevolent spirit that she believes is trying to take away her child. Eager to support his wife but unable to see the entity for himself, Fergus begins to wonder if a spirit is threatening his child's life or if Sarah is starting to lose her grip on reality.
It’s worth mentioning the film is intentionally used as an allegory for the trauma and aftereffects of the stolen generation. A generation of Australian Aboriginal children were forcibly taken from their families by government agencies and church missions during the 1900s. The film opens with a brief description of the historical events and includes a brief scene of an attempted kidnapping. Some sensitive viewers may find the scenes and historical context of the film disturbing or confronting.
The Moogai's unique cultural foundation in Aboriginal storytelling and tradition is its most compelling aspect. It's a refreshing departure from the familiar horror narratives, reminiscent of the 2017 Aboriginal zombie flick Cargo. Bell's respect for the film's Aboriginal roots and his commitment to bringing these stories to the forefront of horror is commendable. Once the film’s titular character finally makes its sinister appearance, it is truly captivating. Whether it’s lurking in the shadows or emerging from the grassy fields, the special effects makeup and actors' performance bring the titular creature to life in a terrifying and memorable way.
However, the film falls short in many other aspects. The dialogue and the situations our main characters find themselves in are lacking in depth and believability. Certain plot points feel contrived and unnatural, breaking the sense of realism. Despite its embrace of the horror genre and its tropes, the story fails to do anything interesting enough to form an identity or break expectation; instead opting to walk a path well worn. Unfortunately, the performances of lead, Shari Sebbens, and members of the supporting cast fail to lift up the poorly written dialogue and instead fall drastically flat.
The same can be said for the film's actual scares. Building tension is difficult when moves are overtly telegraphed well in advance and without creativity. Although some of the more practical horrors are visually impressive, they’re difficult to take seriously and leave the audience unable to empathize with the film’s protagonists.
There are better films for longtime fans of the horror genre hoping to see a fresh take on an established formula or merely looking for something to keep them up at night. While boasting an intriguing and original idea with a startling and dynamic creature design, The Moogai is held back by a poorly written script, lacklustre performances and horrors that’ll make the audience wonder if they’re in the right session.
REEL DIALOGUE: What are some of the bigger questions to consider from this film?
1. What is the value of family? - Genesis 2:24, Exodus 20:12, Psalm 22:6, John 15:12-17
2. What does the Bible have to say about racism? - John 7:24, James 2:9, 1 John 2:9
3. Does God care about overcoming obstacles in life? - Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 41:3, James 1:19-21
