In a quaint village in Australia, a bone-chilling horror film is causing a stir at the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Jon Bell, “The Moogai” is a deeply unsettling and outright terrifying movie that has captivated audiences and left them with goosebumps.

The plot revolves around Sarah, portrayed by the incredible Shari Sebbens, as she grapples with her strained relationship with her mother, Ruth (Tessa Rose). Initially, it’s perplexing why Sarah feels distant and cold towards her own mother. However, as the story unfolds, we discover that the origins of their fractured relationship can be linked to a dark period in Australian history – the “Stolen Generations” of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed in white homes.

The birth of Sarah’s own son, Jacob, becomes a trigger for a series of horrifying events that shed light on the excessive scrutiny of mothers of color. The Moogai, a terrifying monster with two faces and long talons, becomes a haunting symbol of Australia’s grim history. It lurks in the shadows, whispering to Sarah’s daughter, Chloe, and only Sarah and Chloe seem to be able to see it. This plunges Sarah into a state of paranoia and distress, feeling like the walls of white institutions are closing in on her and threatening to take her children away.

“The Moogai” is an elaboration of Jon Bell’s short film from 2020, and the additions to this feature deepen its already frightening narrative. The casting of Shari Sebbens, an Aboriginal actress, adds an authenticity and resonance to the story. She masterfully portrays the internal conflict of someone who can “pass” and once believed they were immune to the horrors of their heritage, only to realize the fragility of that privilege.

While the film’s ending may feel somewhat deflated and the storytelling at times heavy-handed, the imagery is undeniably striking. Jon Bell’s ability to draw parallels and create an allegory that reflects real-life horrors adds another layer of depth to “The Moogai.” The film’s haunting truth is a stark reminder that reality can often be more terrifying than fiction.

With its mesmerising narrative and spine-tingling imagery, “The Moogai” is poised to take its place alongside horror classics like “The Babadook.” This is one movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat, grappling with its chilling tale long after the credits have rolled.