Psychological horror meets New Zealand folklore in Mother Knows Best, which recently wrapped production in Auckland, Variety reports.
Frankie Adams (“The Expanse”), Rhona Mitra (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans), and Keisha Castle-Hughes (“Game of Thrones”) star.
Adams stars as Talia, who, after surviving a near fatal encounter in the Pacific, gives birth to a premature daughter whose existence appears tied to an ancient prophecy. Talia travels to the remote New Zealand estate of her partner’s powerful and secretive family, but what begins as an uneasy Christmas reunion quickly reveals itself to be something far more disturbing.
As she digs deeper, she uncovers a terrifying connection between her daughter, a forgotten Pacific mythology, and a sinister order that will stop at nothing to reclaim what they believe belongs to them. She must fight to protect her child before the family closes in and the truth behind the prophecy is finally revealed.
Kiel McNaughton (“My Life Is Murder”) directs from a script by John Argall. Kerry Warkia produces.
The ensemble features several Māori and Pacific actors, including Jayden Daniels (Evil Dead Rise), Ariāna Osborne (Mārama), James Rolleston (Boy), Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (Predator: Badlands), Vinnie Bennett (Fast & Furious 9), Kawakawa Fox-Reo (Primitive War), and Eve Palmer.
“Mother Knows Best aims to push the boundaries of New Zealand genre filmmaking,” said McNaughton. “It sits at the intersection of psychological horror and cultural myth, and it’s being brought to life by an extraordinary cast. Frankie Adams anchors the film with a powerful performance, and an incredible group of Māori and Pacific actors makes this project very special.”
Essential Film Group has boarded international sales ahead of Cannes. Umbrella Entertainment will distribute in Australia and New Zealand.
