A Mother’s love knows no bounds in Scott Vickers’s low-budget gem Matriarch. The film sees laid back Matt and mom-to-be Rachel seeking refuge after a car crash leaves them stranded on a remote Scottish road. When they stumble onto a farm, the owners are hesitant to help at first, but eventually welcome the couple with open arms. What starts off as pleasant, if not a little strange, quickly goes downhill. Especially when Rachel realizes the family’s “daughter” is a local girl who went missing years earlier. Armed with this new knowledge, Rachel and Matt try to escape when the unthinkable happens: They are held at gunpoint while Rachel goes into labor. Will their child’s first day on earth be the couple’s last?
Matriarch Director Scott Vickers Is a Jack of All Trades
Scott Vickers is a raising star with his clever directorial style, exemplary writing, and harrowing turn as husband Matt. It’s truly the stuff of nightmares: Matriarch takes a scenario that is in no way remarkable and could happen to anyone and turns it into a horrific life or death situation. All while proving you don’t need a big budget to make a must see movie.
The suspense of this picture builds slowly in the first half-hour. Then it unleashes an absolute whirlwind of horror and dread. And when Rachel’s baby is finally born? What else can one do but scream?
Don’t be surprised if the plot becomes almost predictable after a certain point. I encourage you to embrace your skepticism. It’ll intensify the entire experience when you’re faced with a serious curve ball by way of ghoulish plot twist. While Vickers has proven himself a breath of fresh air, it’s the ladies of Matriarch that really give this movie that extra jagged edge.
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Rachel shows she is more than just your standard ‘final girl’ with her dramatic, fast-paced character development. She goes from helpless housewife to sick of everyone’s s**t rather quickly. Every blow, drop of blood, and tear is well earned and better than the last. Her direct counterpart, Agnes, from the very beginning brings a performance that is nothing short of sinister when it’s not gorgeous and compelling. As for my personal favorite, Faith, she is a masterful blend of creepy and enjoyable energy. A combo I didn’t know I needed but a combo I love dearly.
With so much to love about this movie, I feel it’s only fair to play devil’s advocate for a second. If I had to complain about anything it would be the lack of backstory with Stu and David, the Fairbarin’s “sons”. Viewers learn pretty early on how the Fairbarin’s cross paths with Faith and why they can’t have children of their own. Keeping with that momentum I would’ve liked to have seen how the boys fell into the clutches of Bob and Agnes. Just for the sake of my own curiosity. Aside from that, Matriarch is a thrilling movie that will not disappoint. It is definitely worth a watch. And another.
The Final Verdict on Matriarch
I urge potential viewers not to research this movie too deeply before watching. Don’t read reviews with spoilers. Don’t look up ratings. I will even urge you take my opinion with a grain of salt as I feel I’ve already given too much away with this (mostly) spoiler free article. Go in with an open, clear mind, then strap in for this crazy ride. I think you’ll love it.
Matriarch is available on DVD, Digital, and On Demand via LionsGate!
Wicked Rating: 8/10
Director(s): Scott Vickers
Writer(s): Scott Vickers
Stars: Charlie Blackwood, Scott Vickers, Thoren Ferguson, Alan Cuthbert, Cameron Fulton, Briony Monroe, Julie Hannan
Studio/Production Company: Lionsgate
Language: English (with Spanish Subtitles)
Run Time: 92 minutes
Updated June 1, 2024