Mother! is a film by Darren Aronofsky that, despite its excellent critical acclaim, polarized audiences and even long-time Aronofsky fans. Despite this, the film went on to be a commercial success and even battled for the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival.
The point of contention in discussions of Mother! was always its allegorical story that used Biblical motives to construct and drive the narrative. In terms of box office, it was a success; however, there were many people who liked it and others who didn’t.
However, the good news is that there are additional allegorical horror films to see that may be similarly as excellent as or even better than Mother! In this regard, things worked out fine for him.
1. Antichrist (2009)
Another work by an auteur that divided critics and regular viewers was Lars von Trier’s Antichrist, which featured graphic violence and explicit scenes. The film, however, was a critical success in Denmark, where many noticed its visual and allegorical qualities.
A pair of newly bereaved parents decide to go camping in a remote location. The man has strange hallucinations, and the woman demonstrates unusual sexual behavior, as they try to repair their bond.
2. The House That Jack Built (2018)
The House That Jack Built is a film by Lars von Trier that was released in 2018. It stars Matt Dillon as a serial killer who, over the course of twelve years, commits numerous murders.
The film was met with mixed reviews but was generally praised for its technical aspects and acting.
3. The Babadook (2014)
The Australian psychological thriller The Babdook was written and directed by Jennifer Kent, making her feature debut. The film has been compared to a metaphor for mental illness on several occasions.
A single mother tries to raise a sensitive youngster who is afraid of monsters. But the story she reads to him, which has a character named after it, endangers them both in real life, right in their own home.
4. Annihilation (2018)
A biologist and former soldier, Lena, joins a secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don’t apply. Accompanied by a team of scientists, she ventures deep inside an alien environment where the Shimmer caused mutation and chaos. Now, the group must fight for their own survival as they are consumed by an entity that could be the answer to all of their questions.
While not a perfect film, Annihilation is a stunning and cerebral piece of science fiction that will leave audiences thinking long after the credits have rolled. With strong performances from its cast, particularly Natalie Portman, and beautiful visuals, this is a film that horror fans will definitely enjoy.
5. The Witch (2015)
A family in 1630s New England is torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession.
The Witch is a slow-burn horror film that builds an atmosphere of unease and dread that pays off with a shocking finale. With excellent acting and directing, this is a film that should not be missed by fans of the genre.
6. Hereditary (2018)
When the matriarch of the Graham family passes away, her daughter’s family begins to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry.
If you’re looking for a horror movie that will keep you guessing, Hereditary is a must-watch. Like Mother, it’s a slow-burner that builds to a truly harrowing climax. And like Toni Collette’s character in Mother, the protagonist in Hereditary is struggling to deal with her own mental health while trying to keep her family together.
7. Us (2019)
A family’s serenity turns to chaos when a group of doppelgängers begins to terrorize them.
Jordan Peele’s Us is a masterful blend of horror, comedy and social commentary. It’s also one of the most visually arresting films in recent memory. If you’re a fan of Mother, you’ll definitely want to check out Us.
So there you have it, seven horror movies that are sure to satisfy fans of Mother. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.