Godmother – Movie Review | Fantastic Fest (4/5)

GODMOTHER is a horror movie enjoying its world premiere at Fantastic Fest. It starts out charming and sweet before dragging you through Hell. I loved it. You may think you know where it’s going, but this genre treat has a knack for throwing you off course. Read our full Godmother movie review here!

GODMOTHER is getting its World Premiere at Fantastic Fest, and I can’t imagine a much better launching pad for this horror movie. It belongs at one of these genre film festivals, where people can enjoy the experience together. And, believe me, Godmother is definitely an experience. The kind of experience that you will look back on as a horrifyingly delicious surprise.

As someone who loves character-driven stories, Godmother is character-driven horror of the best kind. Not least thanks to the cast, which includes several iconic genre actors. Even the runtime works in favor of the experience.

Continue reading our Godmother movie review below.

A romantic getaway gone wildly wrong

Godmother actually begins as a rather sweet story about a romantic weekend trip in a desert oasis. However, even before Colby (Cameron Cuffe) and Theo (Paige Evans) arrive at their Airbnb rental, things have started going sideways. Not due to the rental, but because Theo’s sister is joining them. Theo felt sorry for her sister, Katie (Riley Dandy), who has just endured a bad breakup.

Of course, Theo also didn’t know just how romantic this getaway was supposed to be. It turns out that Colby was about to propose to Theo.

Also, it should be noted that Colby likes it when things go as planned. He’s a fintech dudebro, and as smart and charming as he can be, he isn’t crazy about changes to his plans. And let’s be honest, Katie is not an easy person to be around; She runs according to her own inner workings, which tend to run on their own (and rather volatile) schedule.

However, if you think Katie is the real challenge of this romantic getaway, you are sorely mistaken. She may be annoying, but things are about to get downright sinister!

Gorgeous in its relentless horror

At the center of everything in Godmother is Theo. She finds herself trapped between the two most important people in her life. On one side is the safe but controlling Colby, who is fairly predictable. The other side has the rebellious and spontaneous ways of her sister, Katie. However, as just mentioned in the above paragraph, the horror will come from somewhere else.

This isolated part of the desert retreat will turn out to be stranger and more devilish than Theo ever anticipated.

As part of this weirdness, we have the people owning the Airbnb. An older, loving couple who are more understanding and forgiving than most. They are portrayed by genre icons Dee Wallace (E.T., Cujo, Critters, The Hills Have Eyes) and Bruce Davison (Suitable Flesh, Creepshow), which should please most genre fans.

Fortunately, so should the horror and thriller elements of Godmother, which is truly gorgeous in its relentless horror. It has plenty going for it with the casting, but the horror movie should win you over with its plot, vibe, and wildly escalating story. I am an instant fan of this universe!

Watch Godmother as soon as you can

John Veron is the director of Godmother, which is his feature film debut. Previously, he directed four short films, and I always get a little nervous that anyone’s first feature-length film will be too long. That is not an issue with Godmother. Nor is it too short. It’s just as it should be. And I base this on the fact that I didn’t want it to end just yet.

Along with directing this horror-thriller, John Veron also wrote the screenplay alongside co-writer Alanah Pearce. She may be known mostly as a gaming personality, but she obviously has a talent for writing screenplays as well. Of course, she’s also acted in a few genre productions already – including the V/H/S/Beyond segment that was written by Mike Flanagan and directed by Kate Siegel.

Whatever you expect from Godmother, I honestly think you’ll have a blast with it. Be sure to check this one out as soon as you get the chance. Personally, one movie wasn’t enough; I’m ready for a Godmother franchise!

Godmother world-premieres at Fantastic Fest 2026.

Details

Director: John Veron
Writers: Alanah Pearce, John Veron
Cast: Dee Wallace, Bruce Davison, Paige Evans, Cameron Cuffe, Riley Dandy