Goodnight Mommy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Traumatized kid refuses to believe his mom is his mom after she gets plastic surgery, because he’s secretly still dealing with the death of his twin he accidentally killed, which is why no one else can see the twin, except at the very end when all the ghosts get together and hug.

🍿 Goodnight Mommy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival and Suspicion

Twin brothers Elias and Lukas arrive at their mother’s remote country home after a period of separation following her divorce. They are immediately struck by her changed appearance; she’s wearing a full facial bandage, claiming it’s the result of cosmetic surgery. She enforces strict new house rules, fueling the boys’ unease. As days pass, the twins observe strange behavior. Their mother is distant, neglects familiar routines, and displays a coldness they haven’t experienced before. They begin to suspect the woman beneath the bandages isn’t actually their mother.

Escalating Tension and Confrontation

Driven by their growing suspicions, Elias and Lukas become determined to uncover the truth. They attempt to contact their father, but their mother thwarts their efforts, further isolating them. They discover inconsistencies in her stories and details about her appearance, solidifying their conviction that she’s an imposter. The tension escalates, leading to a physical confrontation. The boys tie their mother to the bed, demanding answers and attempting to force her to reveal her true identity. Their desperate actions have unforeseen consequences, leading to a devastating revelation.

The Revelation

As the film progresses, Elias becomes uneasy with their treatment of their mother. The ending reveals a shocking twist: Lukas is not real; he is a figment of Elias’s imagination, a manifestation of grief and trauma following Lukas’s accidental death. The mother, struggling to cope with the loss of one of her sons, has been emotionally distant and unstable. Elias’s inability to accept Lukas’s death has created an alternate reality where his brother still exists.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mother (Naomi Watts): A former actress recovering from cosmetic surgery, whose changed behavior leads her son to question her identity.
• Elias (Cameron Crovetti): One of the twin brothers, who becomes increasingly suspicious of his mother’s true identity and grapples with repressed trauma.
• Lukas (Nicholas Crovetti): Elias’s twin brother, who may or may not be real, and fuels Elias’s suspicions and actions against their mother.
• Father (Peter Hermann): The estranged father of the twins, who is largely absent and leaves the boys in the care of their mother.
• Gary (Jeremy Bobb): One of the two state troopers, who briefly investigates the boys’ claims but dismisses them.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elias: “She’s our mother, she has to love us, it’s her job.” – Elias expresses his belief in a mother’s unconditional love, which is challenged by their mother’s behavior.
• Mother: “I can’t pretend anymore.” – The mother says this during a phone call, hinting at a hidden struggle with her identity and relationship with Elias.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13 million
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Goodnight Mommy Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a standard horror flick, but I was pleasantly surprised. Naomi Watts is amazing, the kids are great actors, and the twist really got me. The film creates an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. While it has moments of tension and suspense, at its core, it is a story about grief and trauma. I was moved by the emotional depth of the characters, and found myself empathizing with their struggles.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in films about grief and trauma”
  • “Those who enjoy slow-burn, atmospheric horror”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Child endangerment”
  • “Grief and trauma”

Professional Reviews

• Collider.com: “While Goodnight Mommy may not be the scariest film, it is a well-crafted psychological drama, with Naomi Watts delivering a chilling performance as the mother. The film relies on suspense and atmosphere to create a sense of unease, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
• ScreenRant: “Goodnight Mommy delivers a slow-burn psychological thriller experience. The movie excels in creating a tense atmosphere, leaving viewers guessing until the final act. Nicholas and Cameron Crovetti give incredible performances, carrying the emotional weight of the story.
• IMDB User Review: “Wow. This one was a surprise! I really enjoyed this one. I just knew I knew everything that was going on, but found out I had it all wrong lol. The clues were all there, my brain just never figured them out. No silly jump scares. Just a good ole psychological thriller. I’ll definitely have to rewatch this one to catch everything they laid out plain for me that I totally missed lol. Sounds like the original is even better than the remake so I’ll check that one out too if it’s on streaming. This is a good rainy Sunday movie.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers found the plot twists surprising and well-executed.: The performances of Naomi Watts and the child actors were widely praised for their intensity and emotional range.

Some viewers thought that the tone didn’t capture the terror of the original.: Viewers enjoyed the movie as a solid psychological thriller with a well-developed story.

Overall Consensus: Goodnight Mommy (2022) is a well-acted psychological thriller, but divided viewers. The movie boasts strong performances and an intriguing plot, though many prefer the original Austrian version.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This is an American remake of the 2014 Austrian film of the same name, “Ich seh, Ich seh.””
• “The names of the boys in the film, Lukas and Elias, are the same as the actors who starred in the original Austrian version.”
• “Naomi Watts is known for starring in remakes, and often takes on challenging roles in horror and thriller films.”

🖥️ How to Watch Goodnight Mommy?

Goodnight Mommy (2022) is readily available for streaming on Prime Video for subscribers. You may also find options to rent or purchase the film through platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Goodnight Mommy, you might like these similar films:

• The Sixth Sense (1999): Deals with themes of loss, grief, and the revelation of a character’s imaginary existence.
• The Others (2001): Features a twist involving the reality of the characters and their perceptions of their surroundings.
• Orphan (2009): Focuses on a child who may not be who they appear to be, creating suspense and psychological tension.

🛒 Goodnight Mommy Related Products

• Goodnight Mommy (Original Austrian Film) [Blu-ray]: Experience the chilling original Austrian film that inspired the remake. This Blu-ray edition offers a visually stunning and terrifying cinematic experience, acclaimed for its unique storytelling and intense atmosphere.
• The Twin Movie Poster Print: This high-quality print features the striking poster art from the original film. Perfect for fans of the movie, it adds a touch of dark elegance to any room and makes a great conversation starter.
• Terrifying Twins Horror Movie Collection: A collection of digital horror movies all about terrifying twins. Watch Goodnight Mommy, The Shining and The Other. Perfect for a movie night!
• Horror-Themed Mystery Box: Unleash the darkness with a horror-themed mystery box. Each box is carefully curated with exclusive merchandise, collectibles, and chilling surprises from the scariest movies. A must-have for horror aficionados.

🎧 Soundtrack

Goodnight Mommy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You Are My Sunshine” – performed by Jimmie Davis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Goodnight Mommy – Movie Review

Want a quick but insightful take on Goodnight Mommy? Chris Stuckmann’s review is spot-on, especially if you’re wondering if the film’s psychological horror elements really deliver. I found it super helpful before diving in!

Goodnight Mommy (2022) Movie Explained | Story Breakdown | Ending Explained | Thriller Horror Review

Completely lost after watching Goodnight Mommy? This video breaks down everything from the plot to the ending, and it actually made me appreciate the movie even more! Check it out to clear up any confusion.

✨ Rate