Is Ma Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ma is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 99 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Ma Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, Ma emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Sue Ann is a loner who keeps to herself in her quiet Ohio town. Unlike standard genre fare, Ma attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ma features a noteworthy lineup led by Octavia Spencer . Supported by the likes of Juliette Lewis and Diana Silvers , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Ma (2019) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ma Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ma is a Horror, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Sue Ann is a loner who keeps to herself in her quiet Ohio town. One day, she is asked by Maggie, a new teenager in town, to buy some booze for her and her friends, and Sue Ann sees the chance to make some unsuspecting, if younger, friends of her own. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ma Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ma attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ma reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ma?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Ma Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $61.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Ma Budget
The estimated production budget for Ma is $5.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Ma
- Octavia Spencer – Sue Ann
- Juliette Lewis – Erica
- Diana Silvers – Maggie
- McKaley Miller – Haley
- Corey Fogelmanis – Andy
Top Highlights
Octavia SpencerSue Ann
Juliette LewisErica
Diana SilversMaggie
McKaley MillerHaley
Corey FogelmanisAndy
Luke EvansBen Hawkins
Gianni PaoloChaz
Dante BrownDarrell
Tate TaylorOfficer Grainger
Missi PyleMercedes
Where to Watch Ma Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Zee5
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Ma is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Ma stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ma movie hit or flop?
Ma has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Ma worth watching?
Ma is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Ma online?
Ma may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Ma
How Ma Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Ma
So-so thriller, that could've been straight out of the 90s, features some decent performances, particularly Octavia Spencer and Diana Silvers. Nothing special and outside of the language and sexual content, kind of feels like something that would be on the Lifetime Movies network or something. Probably worth a rental, not much more. **2.5/5**
I was sort of annoyed by _Ma's_ promotional campaign. When that very first trailer dropped, I was hooked instantly. It very much played up the mystery. You knew there was something not quite right, but no idea what. I couldn't even be certain the angle they were gonna play up was Octavia Spencer as a villain. Then every bit of marketing material afterwards showed the hand almost immediately. Ma's a headcase no doubt about it and that great act 2 twist we had waiting in the wings was ruined. Then I actually watched the thing, and, no, it's totally fair, because the escalation on her craziness is pretty much complete by the end of day 1. Things from the first trailer that I thought could maybe sow of doubt towards making the audience dubious about her intentions, in the actual movie take place **after** she's already commited murder in broad daylight. So my expectations were off, that's on me. All that aside though, _Ma_ really isn't that great. It is okay, not terrible by any stretch, but probably doesn't merit a revisit. Octavia Spencer's character does provoke both genuine sympathy, and an overwhelming creep-factor, and hitting those two opposing aspects is quite impressive, but there is so much that _Ma_ completely drops, it almost feels unfinished. _Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Octavia Spencer
View full filmography
Part of the Ma Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise