‘Other Mommy’ Becomes the Worst-Received Wide Release of 2026 Even Worse Than ‘Madame Web’

voice film logo squareArthur S. Poe
OTHER MOMMY movie 1
Share:

When Universal kicked off the promotion for ‘Other Mommy’ this summer, the concept appeared nearly foolproof. Jessica Chastain’s unsettling dual role garnered significant attention with a viral trailer ahead of ‘The Odyssey’, and horror enthusiasts were eager for a thrilling October experience. Given the genre’s record-breaking year, the film seemed poised for success.

This optimism was backed by impressive figures. ‘Obsession’ surpassed $520 million globally, while A24’s ‘Backrooms’ debuted to $81.4 million, eventually nearing $400 million worldwide. Early tracking for ‘Other Mommy’ suggested a promising opening weekend, with estimates ranging from $17 million to $35 million.

However, the reality of the opening weekend told a different tale. ‘Other Mommy’ currently holds a 19% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, a 47% audience score, and a D+ from CinemaScore, making it the worst-reviewed wide release of 2026 thus far.

The painful comparison being discussed is with ‘Madame Web’, which received the Worst Picture award at the Razzies, earning a C+ CinemaScore and a 53% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This indicates that both audiences and critics have been more critical of Rob Savage’s horror film than they were of that infamous superhero misfire.

Universal opted not to screen the film for U.S. press, and when reviews finally emerged, the Rotten Tomatoes score began at 17%. ScreenRant’s Josh Bate rated it 4 out of 10, labeling it misguided and noting that its horror elements fell flat. A Variety critic described it as one of the most ineffective films of the year, particularly criticizing its inconsistent tone.

Other reviewers echoed these sentiments, pointing out issues with the film’s pacing and tone. They noted that it oscillates between horror comedy and slow-burn dread, with set pieces that feel overdone and lacking dramatic support. Even IGN’s Carlos Morales, who acknowledged Chastain’s performance and a few effective jump scares, remarked that the film’s lack of originality rendered the drama thin.

The CinemaScore is arguably the most concerning statistic. Opening-night audiences are typically the most forgiving, as they are the ones most eager to see the film. A D+ from this group is unusual and signals potential trouble ahead.

Social media reactions have not been favorable either. Reports indicate that viewers are mocking the film online, which can quickly turn a weak opening into a source of ridicule. For a movie marketed on its scares, becoming a meme for the wrong reasons is not the outcome Universal had hoped for.

Screenshot 2026 10 10 at 08 55 08 Other Mommy Rotten Tomatoes

On the business side, the situation is more complex. Thursday previews generated over $3.5 million, and the film was anticipated to top the box office despite the negative reviews. With a production budget below $20 million, even a front-loaded performance could still yield profits for Universal and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster.

The real concern lies in the second weekend. Analysts warn that poor word of mouth could lead to a drop as steep as 70%. This would severely limit the film’s long-term earnings, even if the opening weekend appears respectable.

The disappointing reception is also a blow to the filmmakers. Savage gained recognition with ‘Host’ and later directed ‘The Boogeyman’, which opened to around $12 million. ‘Other Mommy’ is based on Josh Malerman’s novel ‘Incidents Around the House’ and produced by James Wan.

With a 17% rating from 23 reviews, the film marks Wan’s lowest Rotten Tomatoes score as a producer since ‘Saw 7’, which achieved 9% in 2010, and ‘Saw V’, which landed at 13% in 2008. Chastain, on the other hand, is no stranger to horror successes. Her 2013 film ‘Mama’ opened at $28.1 million and topped the box office, and she also starred in ‘It Chapter Two’.

For now, the narrative is a mixed bag: a solid opening on paper contrasted with a historically poor reception. Whether ‘Other Mommy’ can recover through word of mouth seems doubtful given the audience scores. The coming weeks will reveal if it becomes a cult favorite or simply fades away.

One thing is certain. In a standout year for horror, ‘Other Mommy’ will be remembered as the exception.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!

Share: