Desert horror movies are a sort of evergreen sub-genre and Godmother joins the well-covered desolation. We begin with a typical premise. Lovebirds Colby (Cameron Cuffe) and Theo (Paige Evans) are cruising across an arid landscape to their weekend B and B rental looking forward to a romantic getaway, but they are in for anything but. Of course we know that. What would you expect from a horror movie? But what initially plays out as a painfully predictable set up suddenly easing into a surprisingly clever movie that left me with a devilish grin on my face.
The first issue that arises is that Theo has pressured Colby into inviting her sister Katie (Riley Dandy) to join them. Colby is easy going and understanding almost to a fault. While he envisioned a romantic weekend away culminating in a proposal he let’s it ride. Then there are the strangely effusive owners of the property, Mrs. Martinson (Dee Wallace) and Mr. Martinson (Bruce Davison.) Upon arrival the Martinsons greet the young couple and demand to show them around the home.
Katie arrives and there is immediate friction between she and Colby. Again, the predictable “Your dating my baby sister,” territorial friction that almost feels forced. There is an immediate tug of war for Theo’s attention and time. After a dead iguana shows up in the couple’s bed, they go down the road to the Martinsons new home where they find that a poolside get together is happening. More creepy old people begin to welcome and usher Colby and Theo. The vibe is very Rosemary’s Baby but with mai tais. It was at this point that I was certain I knew what was about to happen. I am very happy to report that I was wrong.
There’s a lot to enjoy in Godmother once you get through the misdirection. John Veron directs from a smart script co-written with Alanah Pearce and it’s quite the ride. There was a very natural chemistry between the leads. In particular, Dandy’s Katie and Evans’ Theo fell like siblings. Of course old hands Davison and Wallace know exactly what they are playing and how to play it. While Davison is very good, Dee Walace again proves why she is an icon. A horror icon at that. The unctuous accommodating and syrupy southern drawl that she uses is grating and undeniably delicious.
But back to the script. It’s a crafty little piece of pulp that had me guessing the more it went on which is a rarity. There are some satisfying practical effects throughout but they never seem to rise above average. That is until the finale. When the final penny drops it’s a bloodbath that features some fascinating creature effects and an ending that should satisfy most but that left my dark heart needing more.
At the end of the day though, Godmother was a satisfyingly gory movie and a hell of a lot of fun. It plays in familiar territory and upends expectation to give us a fun, hellish ride.
