Bộ Hài Cốt Ám Ảnh Umma (2022)

'Umma,' Iris K. Shim's debut feature, attempts to weave a compelling narrative around generational trauma and Korean folklore, largely relying on Sandra Oh's powerful central performance. Oh, as Amanda, delivers a nuanced portrayal of a mother battling not only her daughter's burgeoning independence but also the chilling specter of her own past and her deceased mother, the "Umma." The film's strength lies in its atmospheric tension and its exploration of the immigrant experience, where cultural heritage becomes both a source of identity and a haunting burden. Cinematographically, Shim employs effective use of shadows and tight framing to evoke a sense of claustrophobia and impending dread, though some jump scares feel conventional. While the film grapples with profound themes like duty and sacrifice, its execution occasionally stumbles, preventing it from reaching the same visceral impact as genre giants like The Babadook or Hereditary. Nonetheless, "Umma" offers a thoughtful, albeit uneven, contribution to the maternal horror subgenre, solidifying Oh's versatility and hinting at Shim's potential as a storyteller exploring deep psychological undercurrents within the supernatural framework.