Genre – Horror
Director – Jon Bell
Writer – Jon Bell
Cast – Shari Sebbens, Meyne Wyatt, Tessa Rose, Clarence Ryan, Toby Leonard Moore and Bella Heathcote
Runtime –86 Minutes
My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆
More than a horror film, The Moogai is a haunting unpacking of historical trauma.
Plot Summary of The Moogai (Spoiler-Free)
The Moogai centers on Sarah, a successful Aboriginal lawyer, and her husband Fergus, who are adjusting to life with their newborn son and six-year-old daughter, Chloe. Sarah’s life takes a dark turn when she starts experiencing terrifying visions of a ghostly figure with long arms and white-eyed children. She becomes convinced that the Moogai, a child-stealing spirit from Aboriginal folklore, is targeting her family.
As Sarah’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, Fergus struggles to understand her fears, and their relationship begins to strain. Sarah’s estranged mother, Ruth, re-enters her life, bringing with her stories of the Moogai and the trauma of the Stolen Generations. The film explores the tension between modern life and cultural heritage, as Sarah grapples with her identity and the haunting presence threatening her family.
The Moogai Review: Is It Worth Watching?
As someone who appreciates horror films that dig deeper than cheap scares, The Moogai had me curious from the get-go. Directed by Jon Bell, it doesn’t waste time trying to be your typical ghost story. It wants to get under your skin by using real historical trauma as its backbone. Think of it less as a “boo!” horror movie and more of a slow-burn psychological unravelling with a side of supernatural menace.
The opening scene is hands-down the most jarring part of the film, and it sets a tone the rest of the movie struggles to maintain. We’re thrown into a terrifying flashback of Aboriginal children being hunted down by white authorities. It’s harrowing, effective, and delivers a solid gut-punch of historical context. Unfortunately, it also sets the bar a bit too high for what follows.
We then jump to present day with Sarah, played brilliantly in parts by Shari Sebbens, who’s just had her second child and is trying to keep her head above water. Her husband Fergus, played by Meyne Wyatt, means well but comes across a bit like that guy who thinks saying “relax” will stop you from crying. As Sarah’s paranoia kicks in and she starts seeing creepy children and spindly shadows, Fergus’s primary emotion seems to be mild discomfort – like he’s just smelled something weird but can’t find where it’s coming from.
The Moogai wants to be both a ghost story and a social commentary. It mostly pulls off the latter and kind of fumbles the former. The idea of using a mythical spirit to represent the generational trauma of stolen children is very interesting and really clever, but the film sometimes feels like it’s juggling two balls and can’t keep either in the air for long.
There are some strong moments, especially when the film leans into its political side. There’s a raw, powerful scene where Fergus admits he didn’t step in to help Sarah because he feared being labeled the “angry black man.” That line hits hard, and it feels real. But just when you’re emotionally invested, the movie jumps back to a poorly lit scene where a CGI monster is doing yoga in the corner.
The horror elements are at their strongest when they’re suggestive. Quick glimpses of the Moogai, the creepy lullabies, the blank-eyed ghost kids – all quite unsettling. But the film shoots itself in the foot when it decides to show the Moogai in full. It just looks a bit silly. Like, if Slender Man and Gollum had a baby and then forgot to render it in high resolution.
The film also feels like some parts are underdeveloped. Characters appear just to deliver exposition and then vanish into thin air. The subplot with Sarah’s job, her friends, even her first child Chloe, gets pushed to the sidelines in favor of showing her scream in the kitchen. Again.
Still, credit where it’s due. The Moogai as a concept is terrifying. The way the film connects this creature to real-world horror – the Stolen Generations, systemic racism, broken family ties – is what gives it real emotional heft. When it works, it works.
What I liked (And What I Didn’t Like)
Pros
Cultural Significance
The blending of Indigenous mythology with real historical trauma is this film’s biggest strength. It makes you think long after the ghost stuff is done. Horror is best when it reflects something bigger, and The Moogai nails that ambition.
Shari Sebbens’ Performance
She gives it her all. Despite the script occasionally making her act like she’s in a completely different movie, she manages to ground Sarah in something real and relatable.
Creepy Children Done Right
The white-eyed kids aren’t overused and feel more like warnings than monsters, which somehow makes them creepier. Less is more, and the movie gets that – at least at first it does.
Haunting Opening
That first scene is gut-wrenching and sets a chilling foundation. It hits the hardest emotionally and visually out of everything.
It Sparks Conversation
Whether you love or hate it, The Moogai gives you something to talk about. And not just about ghosts. About history. About trauma. About what gets passed down.
Cons
Weak Pacing
Despite the short runtime, the middle drags. Scenes start to blur together. How many times can we watch Sarah wander into another room and gasp?
Budget Constraints
I get it. Money doesn’t grow on trees. But when you’re building toward a big creature reveal, it helps if your monster doesn’t look like a discount Halloween prop.
Flat Supporting Characters
Fergus is reduced to “concerned husband” and Chloe might as well be a houseplant. The supporting cast mostly exists to react to Sarah and not much else.
Unbalanced Tone
Sometimes it’s horror, sometimes it’s drama, sometimes it’s a PSA. It never fully decides what it wants to be, and it shows.
Emotional Overload
It tries to juggle so many heavy themes that it all starts to feel a bit overwhelming. Sometimes less is more, and The Moogai doesn’t know when to pull back.
Who Might Like The Moogai
If you’re into horror with substance, you’ll probably dig this. Especially if you’re interested in Indigenous stories, psychological thrillers, or social commentary through genre. Fans of The Babadook or Relic might find this right up their alley.
Who Might Dislike The Moogai
Anyone looking for a fast-paced, scare every-five-minutes kind of horror movie is going to be disappointed. If you’re not in the mood for a heavy, metaphor-laden slow burn, this probably isn’t for you.
Final Verdict: Did I Enjoy Watching The Moogai?
Yes – with caveats. The Moogai is more than just a horror movie. It’s an important story about intergenerational trauma, identity, and how history lingers in the most personal parts of our lives. But as a horror film, it stumbles. The scares don’t always land, and the pacing could put some viewers to sleep.
That said, I appreciate what Jon Bell tried to do here. The intentions are honest and powerful, even if the execution wobbles. I’d rather watch an ambitious, flawed film like this than another factory-made jump scare parade.
It’s far from perfect, but it’s bold – and that’s something.
The Moogai Trailer
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