An American supernatural horror movie called Umma was released this year. Umma is a term that means “mother” in Korean. Sandra Oh plays a single mother who lives with her kid on a remote farm while also being haunted by the ghost of her own mother in the film. The movie’s themes of generational guilt and suffering were noted by critics as having great impact, and many of them commended Oh’s acting, praising it as Gothic horror and a refreshing change from typical slasher fare. Many viewers were perplexed with Umma, especially the conclusion. When the final credits rolled, you might have wondered, “What the heck just happened?,” but we’ve got you covered. The storyline and resolution of the Korean film Umma from 2022 are described here. And a word of caution for those who haven’t yet seen the movie. The following contains huge plot spoilers!
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Umma Movie| Synopsis
Before we explain Umma’s ending, let’s quickly review what has happened. Amanda (Oh) made the decision to move away from her abusive mother and her Korean upbringing years ago. She now lives with her daughter Chris (Fivel Stweart) on a remote farm, far from other people and without power or modern conveniences.
As the movie goes on, we learn more of Amanda’s (then-named Soo-Hyun) horrendous treatment at the hands of her mother, which included torture and electrocution. However, it becomes evident that Umma’s “job” isn’t done when her mother’s ashes are delivered to the property.
Umma is not a movie for the faint of heart due to its slow development of suspense, scares, and twisted plot. For those who want to create their own horror movie, the movie serves as a great introduction. Take note of how the combination of lighting, sound effects, and music heightens the suspense. If you’re putting together your own production on a tight budget, go with royalty-free music; this will increase the sinister levels and prevent potential legal problems with copyright.
Beholden to the Past
Chris learns throughout the film that her mother’s mental anguish was brought on not by the electricity but rather by her mother’s abuse. The scene where Chris finds Amanda dressed in a hanbok and engaging in a traditional Korean Jesa ritual—things Umma would have wanted her daughter to do—confounded many viewers.
Because she was possessed by Umma’s ghost beginning with the scene where she buried her mother’s ashes in the film, Amanda’s behaviour can be explained. This is the reason Amanda goes on the offensive after hearing her daughter declare she wants to go to college.
Chris learns throughout the film that her mother’s mental anguish was brought on not by the electricity but rather by her mother’s abuse. The scene where Chris finds Amanda dressed in a hanbok and engaging in a traditional Korean Jesa ritual—things Umma would have wanted her daughter to do—confounded many viewers.
Chris learns throughout the film that her mother’s mental anguish was brought on not by the electricity but rather by her mother’s abuse. The scene where Chris finds Amanda dressed in a hanbok and engaging in a traditional Korean Jesa ritual—things Umma would have wanted her daughter to do—confounded many viewers.
Because she was possessed by Umma’s ghost beginning with the scene where she buried her mother’s ashes in the film, Amanda’s behaviour can be explained. This is the reason Amanda goes on the offensive after hearing her daughter declare she wants to go to college.
How Chris and Amanda are Saved in the Umma Movie, explained
The scenes where the two manage to get away from Umma and her influence were another aspect of the movie that left many viewers scratching their heads. It proceeds in this manner. Amanda is allowed to see her daughter when Chris removes the mask off her face, and the power of their shared love causes Umma to lose her grip.
Amanda must now face her prior pain and encounter Umma on a spiritual level. A solution is reached. Following their reunion, Amanda is finally free to leave after finding peace.
What Happened After the Film’s Climax? – Umma Movie Ending?
After the events of the finale, Amanda begins to rediscover her culture as she participates in a customary Korean funeral ritual with Chris. There is no doubt that Umma has now acknowledged and forgiven herself for what she did to her daughter. Finally seeing that her dominating approach in pressing her daughter to continue living on the farm was a reflection of her own mother, Amanda has also achieved clarity. The final scenes show Amanda assisting Chris as he prepares to go for college, and the final images are of Umma’s tombstone, which serves as a gentle reminder that all three generations have found peace.
Unanswered Questions from the film Umma
Despite our best efforts, there are still a number of unresolved issues towards the film’s conclusion. What, for instance, happened to Amanda’s husband? Chris’ father’s whereabouts and demise are never made known.
While you’re thinking about that, consider how the uncle in the movie discovered Amanda. This needs some major explaining, especially because his niece was completely off the grid.
Last but not least, how on earth did Danny know about Amanda’s fear of electricity, and more precisely, how did he know that it would only have an impact on her emotionally and not physically? Perhaps we’ll need to watch the film a few more times to see whether these are narrative gaps that actually exist or whether we’ve missed something significant.
Movie trivia for Umma
And now for some movie facts. Filming for the movie was supposed to begin in Vancouver in April 2020, but the epidemic forced a postponement of that as well as a lot of other things.
Throughout Umma, there are numerous allusions to the well-known Korean legend of gumiho (or kumiho). A gumiho is a spirit that, in Chinese and Korean folklore, may develop cancer over time due to an excess of stored energy. The narrative may be a reflection of Umma’s own experiences, who was compelled to give up her career as a competent designer in order to assume the traditional roles of wife and mother.
What did you think of the Korean film Umma’s narrative and resolution? Please provide your feedback below.
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