Smother is an Austrian horror film about generational trauma. Michi (Cornelia Ivancan) is dealing with the death of her estranged father. In an attempt to repair the relationship between herself and her daughter Hanna (Lola Herbst), Michi decides the two should stay at her recently deceased dad’s isolated countryside home. While there, the two are forced to confront literal demons from the past.
The movie starts off at a rapid pace. We are introduced to the family and see that Hanna and Michi have a strained relationship. Financial issues are brought up and a funeral follows shortly after. Once the women are left alone, Smother takes a much more methodical approach. It should be jarring, but it works due to the strong performances and mystery.
The pacing does lead to some issues. At times, it seems like Smother tries to pack too much in. The money problems with their business end up being nothing more than an excuse to separate the family. There is also a superfluous character introduced. Motivations could have been better fleshed out, also.
Almost immediately after Michi and Hanna settle in, the tension sets in. Smother is not a movie that relies on jump scares. It instead uses atmosphere and setting to frighten its audiences. This includes a well shot scare where Michi thinks she sees someone watching her from behind a bush.
The real terror comes from the past and what it means for the future. The plot drip feeds viewers information about Michi’s childhood. Was she abused? Neglected? Treated well? Smother presents all these options as a viable possibility. The big reveal is a little muddled, but it does explain Michi’s past. The ending shows the effects of generational trauma. The entire family has been changed in a subtly powerful closing.
Smother comes to SVOD February 27th.
