In a dazzling moment of triumph for fans of cult horror, Tate Taylor, the director of the iconic modern classic “Ma,” has come out with the announcement of his personal vision for a sequel. A director known best for films such as “The Help,” Taylor created “Ma” with the intention of veering away from his comfort zone and in doing so, generated a massive online fanbase and a decade’s worth of valuable memetic real estate. With the possibility of a sequel on the horizon, fans are holding their breath for more “Ma” insanity.
If you have not seen “Ma,” the word that most accurately describes the film is “audacity.” The film stars Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer (“The Witches”), who reportedly was over the moon when presented with the opportunity to play a horror movie antagonist. She delivers a film experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. Her evil schemes are as shocking as they are convoluted, and all are presented with the bizarre villainous flair which her character has become so well-known for. From the signature haircut to the insanely quotable lines, Spencer has put forth a performance that people are clamoring to see more of, though initially the ending of the first movie left many feeling the story had come to a close. However, Taylor has gone on the record to say that he is certain Spencer would reprise her role for a sequel, and that he already has a plan for the next movie.
According to the director, the sequel to Ma would star Spencer in the titular role as a real estate agent, having escaped the previous town which she terrorized in the first film. Now hungry for the blood of looky-loos, “Ma” would use her devious motherly ways to trap unwary suburbanites in McMansions of death. Needless to say, many have become excited at the promising absurdity of this premise, and the new setting would give Spencer a chance to show off even more of “Ma’s” vile potential. Think of how much damage she could do with giant staircases, voice-activated appliances, chandeliers, and real estate pricing. Considering her main strengths are gaslighting and sneak attacks, the possibilities are unfathomable. This is a movie that could lead “Ma” to becoming the next overly long but culturally beloved horror franchise. Just imagine, in 30 years, we could be living in a future where the Ma eight-movie DVD set sits in the Walmart five-dollar bin, waiting for a worthy owner to be purchased and watched by. Video essays would be made about how, actually, “Ma 5: Cult of Ma” is the best in the series. Think of the merchandise. If you are a “Ma” fan, keep your voice loud so this sequel can get made. If you have not seen this film, then you are missing out. For any person who is a fan of campy horror films, or is simply looking for an absurd premise which they may have a good laugh over, “Ma” is the film for you to watch.
Image from Universal Pictures via YouTube
