Mother battles invisible demon to protect her children

In the film, Halle Berry portrays a character known as 'Momma,' who is fiercely protective of her two young sons, Nolan and Samuel. The family is isolated in a woodland shack, where they must survive while being haunted by an unseen malevolent force referred to as 'The Evil.' Momma insists that they remain tethered to the house by ropes to avoid this threat, leading to questions about her mental state and the nature of the danger they face. The narrative unfolds with a sense of paranoia and dread, but the execution falters due to weak screenwriting. The film struggles to establish a coherent plot, leaving both the characters and the audience confused about the reality of the threat. As the story progresses, the boys' fear diminishes, undermining the intended horror. Director Alexandre Aja attempts to blend elements of psychological horror with biblical allegory, yet the film lacks the depth and craft seen in more successful works of the genre. The reliance on a single Polaroid as a plot device feels absurd, and the climax involves the destruction of their home, which fails to deliver a satisfying resolution. Ultimately, the film's ambition is overshadowed by its execution, resulting in a lackluster experience that fails to engage viewers. Despite Berry's efforts, the film does not provide the thrills or chills expected from a horror thriller, leading to a disappointing reception.