Mother Tongue

Horror, humour and sexy to boot! What's not to like. The desperate longing for motherhood is the device around which the entire plot revolves, which in itself is a brilliant use of motivation for the two main female characters, played superbly by Amelia Foxton and Chiara Gizzi. Performances are top notch, with special mention to Stephen Hunter who swings between a bumbling buffoon and a rather alarming master of the dark arts. With brilliant editing setting the pace, this clever film, deftly directed by Glenn Fraser, will engage from beginning to end. Must make mention of the great music as well. All round, an excellent piece of film-making.

A stupendous achievement for an independently produced film, that lacked for nothing in craft, production and talent. It was as funny as it was disturbing as it was beautifully made - a real delight (if one can use that term for a work in which a mewling newborn does indescribable things - I'll use it).

Compelling (and all too believable) story to set the whole thing up, brought to life by a runaway train plot that you couldn't look away from and before you know it, you WANT to look, but the brilliant performances keep you locked to the screen.

Can't wait for Chapter 2.

There WILL be a Chaper 2, right??

Mother Tongue is an entertaining Australian made short movie that successfully embraces both the comedy and horror genres. This cautionary tale about a childless couple going to great lengths and turning to the Dark Arts to fall pregnant and bear a child is well-shot and well acted. The leads (Amelia Foxton and Chiara Gizzi) are great and Stephen Hunter (Bombur from Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy) as Brian the warlock-for-hire is a hoot in particular. Many horror movies are predictable and this thankfully isn't. The film packs alot into its 43 minute running time and never stalls or lags. Well worth a look!

Powerhouse duo Amelia Foxton and Glen Fraser deliver on a comedy horror mini-epic! A fast and furious affair with spills and thrills but not without an important message concerning equity and access, showing us the emotional and psychological struggles same sex couples endure when facing issues around love and conception. Skillfully handled when considering these important themes and yearnings couched in all the fabulous tropes and gore this genre has to offer. Good, manic fun, and never without its 'tongue' in cheek. Solid performances all round. Foxton (writer) and Chiara Gizzi give us intense, real performances as couple Jade and Alex while Stephen Hunter balances us nicely with Brian's blokey comic relief. Well done also to remaining cast and crew with dynamic cinematography by Tom Gleeson.

Within some themes lies horror and comedy side by side. To spot these themes and get them into a story which feds on our fear and our need for laugh as well is a mountain to climb for a storyteller. But this short piece does it well it tells with a diabolic smile about what a beautiful and bloody demonic thing our wish for children (and the harsh reality of having them) could be. With a diabolic lust for dark images and some funny ideas abour urban magic the short is directed on the knifes edge which is lietrally the last resort in the movie. Well acted, well shot, well done! Watch it, and get a lough that grows in your belly like a demonic child that will eat you up from the inside.