Within some themes lies horror and comedy side by side. To spot these themes and get them into a story which feds on our fear and our need for laugh as well is a mountain to climb for a storyteller. But this short piece does it well it tells with a diabolic smile about what a beautiful and bloody demonic thing our wish for children (and the harsh reality of having them) could be. With a diabolic lust for dark images and some funny ideas abour urban magic the short is directed on the knifes edge which is lietrally the last resort in the movie. Well acted, well shot, well done! Watch it, and get a lough that grows in your belly like a demonic child that will eat you up from the inside.
10 Reviews
So clever! Great message and fan watch! Takes a bit to make me laugh and feel emotional at the same time
tashakmarkwell13 October 2023
This gem of a short movie screams to the struggles so many of us can relate when trying to conceive. For some it's straight up easy. For others it's a nightmare that sometimes doesn't end with what our hearts and souls desire so much! Literally you can become obsessed. Amongst the personal pings I felt from my own experience, I couldn't help but be fully invested in this film from the get go! So enjoyed this! Had me giggling whilst relating to the hardships! Not much has made me laugh and cry at the same time. The ultimate watch!! Can't wait to see what they do next. Great message and cleverly written, acted and filmed. Highly entertaining and brilliant to boot!
Funnier than you think!
Str8-Edge3 October 2023
As a long-time fan of horror genre, I've always been into really dark, evil stuff. I've had a little to no love for horror-comedy marriage. But this little movie changed it. It definitely sits within horror realm, but it takes comedy further than most, and it's funnier than anyone would expect. Glenn did a splendid job directing it, and Amelia proved to be a great actress. But Stephen Hunter as Brian is just hilarious. Whether it's due to his acting chops, or Amelia's writing, his scenes were the highlights for me.
I recommend checking it out this gem. Just don't spit out popcorn while laughing!
I recommend checking it out this gem. Just don't spit out popcorn while laughing!
Pure Evil, Damned Funny
tom-584525 October 2023
A stupendous achievement for an independently produced film, that lacked for nothing in craft, production and talent. It was as funny as it was disturbing as it was beautifully made - a real delight (if one can use that term for a work in which a mewling newborn does indescribable things - I'll use it).
Compelling (and all too believable) story to set the whole thing up, brought to life by a runaway train plot that you couldn't look away from and before you know it, you WANT to look, but the brilliant performances keep you locked to the screen.
Can't wait for Chapter 2.
There WILL be a Chaper 2, right??
Compelling (and all too believable) story to set the whole thing up, brought to life by a runaway train plot that you couldn't look away from and before you know it, you WANT to look, but the brilliant performances keep you locked to the screen.
Can't wait for Chapter 2.
There WILL be a Chaper 2, right??
An inventive horror movie that will engage you to the last frame!
Sheree_da_Costa29 September 2023
Horror, humour and sexy to boot! What's not to like. The desperate longing for motherhood is the device around which the entire plot revolves, which in itself is a brilliant use of motivation for the two main female characters, played superbly by Amelia Foxton and Chiara Gizzi. Performances are top notch, with special mention to Stephen Hunter who swings between a bumbling buffoon and a rather alarming master of the dark arts. With brilliant editing setting the pace, this clever film, deftly directed by Glenn Fraser, will engage from beginning to end. Must make mention of the great music as well. All round, an excellent piece of film-making.
A fun little movie.
casliber-0523629 September 2023
Mother Tongue is an entertaining Australian made short movie that successfully embraces both the comedy and horror genres. This cautionary tale about a childless couple going to great lengths and turning to the Dark Arts to fall pregnant and bear a child is well-shot and well acted. The leads (Amelia Foxton and Chiara Gizzi) are great and Stephen Hunter (Bombur from Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy) as Brian the warlock-for-hire is a hoot in particular. Many horror movies are predictable and this thankfully isn't. The film packs alot into its 43 minute running time and never stalls or lags. Well worth a look!
I'd name him Cambion!
rohan-everingham4 October 2023
Powerhouse duo Amelia Foxton and Glen Fraser deliver on a comedy horror mini-epic! A fast and furious affair with spills and thrills but not without an important message concerning equity and access, showing us the emotional and psychological struggles same sex couples endure when facing issues around love and conception. Skillfully handled when considering these important themes and yearnings couched in all the fabulous tropes and gore this genre has to offer. Good, manic fun, and never without its 'tongue' in cheek. Solid performances all round. Foxton (writer) and Chiara Gizzi give us intense, real performances as couple Jade and Alex while Stephen Hunter balances us nicely with Brian's blokey comic relief. Well done also to remaining cast and crew with dynamic cinematography by Tom Gleeson.
Watched it without knowing anything !
erinconnor413 November 2023
And I loved it !
The three of them are awesome !!!!!!! 😆🤗👏👏👏👏 Shot so brilliantly ! And the sound and music incredible!!!
So good ! I know of Glenn Fraser's work and i could see his amazing style blended perfectly with this talented cast ! I'm not surprised he has picked up a best director award for this short. Amelia is a powerhouse of talent and coupled with Chiara ans Stephen are terrifyingly fabulous.
Laugh out loud. Sexy, crazy ride !!! And boy oh boy such a raw honest mirror on how horrid ride of trying to get pregnant can be along with the stigma attached to same sex parenting.!
Well done !!!
The three of them are awesome !!!!!!! 😆🤗👏👏👏👏 Shot so brilliantly ! And the sound and music incredible!!!
So good ! I know of Glenn Fraser's work and i could see his amazing style blended perfectly with this talented cast ! I'm not surprised he has picked up a best director award for this short. Amelia is a powerhouse of talent and coupled with Chiara ans Stephen are terrifyingly fabulous.
Laugh out loud. Sexy, crazy ride !!! And boy oh boy such a raw honest mirror on how horrid ride of trying to get pregnant can be along with the stigma attached to same sex parenting.!
Well done !!!
Such a thrill ride
jakefrazer-9130122 October 2023
It's always great to see a cool Aussie horror comedy, and this was definitely one of the best of the last decade, even though it was short. It's such a unique and quirky story that goes by so quickly that you wish it were longer.
The cinematography was top-notch and looked better than in most $100+ million movies these days and was so well directed by the endlessly talented Glenn Fraser.
Amelia Foxton, Stephen Hunter, and Chiara Gizzi are all terrifying and hilarious in their roles. Huge credit must also go to Foxton for not only starring but also writing and producing this as well.
This is a short film that has to be seen, and I'd recommend as many people as possible to check it out because it is a lot of fun.
The cinematography was top-notch and looked better than in most $100+ million movies these days and was so well directed by the endlessly talented Glenn Fraser.
Amelia Foxton, Stephen Hunter, and Chiara Gizzi are all terrifying and hilarious in their roles. Huge credit must also go to Foxton for not only starring but also writing and producing this as well.
This is a short film that has to be seen, and I'd recommend as many people as possible to check it out because it is a lot of fun.
Illuminating the perils of parenthood whilst running the whole horror gamut of demons, humour, and gore!
Mr_L_Smith20 October 2023
Thanks to its clever writing, fantastic direction, and captivating performances, audiences seeking the quintessential easy horror watch will not be disappointed. Similarly, viewers desiring a little more grey matter stimulation will also have their prayers answered. The script is akin to both iceberg and onion, for beneath its surface lurks a multitude of layered themes that traverse a range of challenging social issues. Hence, it's a film that's equally easy on the eyes, capable of encouraging empathy, and shifting perspectives on some truly important issues. A real intellectual horror humdinger!
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