Umma (2022)

«Umma» (2022), directed by Iris K. Shim, is a gripping drama that immerses the viewer in a world of deep fears and an unbreakable connection to the past. The film skillfully combines elements of psychological tension and cultural heritage, offering a reflection on how family roots can become a source of both strength and overwhelming anxiety.

Plot (no spoilers)

The story introduces us to Amanda, a Korean-American woman who lives with her teenage daughter on an isolated bee farm. Their existence intentionally foregoes electricity, creating an atmosphere of detachment and vulnerability. Their tranquility is disturbed when Amanda learns of her mother's death in Korea and receives an urn with her ashes. This seemingly final symbol of connection to the past becomes a catalyst: Amanda begins to be haunted by an irrational fear, a premonition of something ominous, as if the shadow of her mother's life hangs over her own.

Why You Should Watch

• Psychological Depth: An exploration of escalating fear and its impact on the human psyche, forced to confront the past.
• Unique Atmosphere: Isolation on a farm without electricity creates an oppressive and mysterious setting, enhancing the drama.
• Exploration of Cultural Identity: The theme of Korean heritage and its influence on the life of an American woman becomes a powerful driver of the plot.
• Strong Cast: Starring Sandra Oh, known for her ability to give characters complexity. Directed by Iris K. Shim.

Themes

«Umma» masterfully intertwines themes of heritage and identity, exploring how cultural roots and family secrets shape destiny. The escalating fear and paranoia, caused by confronting the past, become a central element of the heroine's psychological portrait. The film also reflects on isolation and alienation from the modern world, as well as the complex dynamics of motherhood, manifested in Amanda's relationship with her daughter and the unseen influence of her deceased mother.

Verdict

«Umma» is a drama for viewers who appreciate deep emotional experiences and suspenseful storytelling. It offers not just a story of fear, but also a powerful reflection on the connection between generations, the cost of escaping the past, and the inevitability of confronting one's roots. The film promises to draw you into its atmosphere and make you think.