Other Mommy Projected for $20M Opening Despite 17% Rotten Tomatoes Score

The horror landscape of 2026 has been defined by massive breakout hits, but Jessica Chastain’s latest venture into the genre is facing a difficult reception from reviewers. Other Mommy, which arrived in theaters on October 9, 2026, has debuted to a 17% “Rotten” score on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews.

Directed by Rob Savage and produced by horror veteran James Wan, the film casts Chastain in a demanding dual role as a mother named Ursula and a demonic entity known as the “Other Mommy.” Despite the high-caliber talent involved, the critical consensus describes the movie as a vacuous collection of jump scares that fails to capture the atmospheric dread found in Savage’s previous work.

The film is an adaptation of Josh Malerman’s 2024 novel Incidents Around the House.

The film serves as an adaptation of Josh Malerman’s 2024 novel, Incidents Around the House. While the source material was noted for its unique perspective, critics suggest the cinematic translation relies on tired tropes. According to reporting from Forbes, the low score marks a significant departure from the prestige typically associated with Chastain’s projects.

Box Office Expectations vs. Critical Reception

Despite the poor reviews, Other Mommy is projected to be a financial success. Opening weekend estimates suggest a $20 million domestic debut, which would likely secure the No. 1 spot at the box office. Universal Pictures reportedly kept the film hidden from critics until its release day, a strategy often employed when a studio anticipates a negative critical response but expects strong audience turnout.

The film’s performance sits in sharp contrast to other horror successes earlier in 2026. Curry Barker’s Obsession earned a 93% rating and grossed over $520 million, while A24’s Backrooms, directed by Kane Parsons, brought in more than $400 million. While those films managed to bridge the gap between critical acclaim and commercial dominance, Other Mommy appears to be relying solely on its star power and jump-scare marketing.

is projected to lead the box office despite its low critical score.

The Digital Spy review tally indicates the score has fluctuated only slightly since the release, remaining firmly in the “Rotten” category. For fans of Malerman’s writing and Chastain’s previous work in the IT franchise, the film offers a rare chance to see the actress in a villainous dual role, even if the surrounding production fails to meet the high bar set by its contemporaries in a competitive year for the genre.

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