Josh Malerman’s journey to creating one of the box office’s standout horror films, Other Mommy, began with a simple yet spine-chilling bedtime story told by his brother. Thirteen years ago, on a phone call, Malerman’s brother recounted a peculiar experience involving his young daughter, Elliott. After saying goodnight to her parents, Elliott deadpanned, “I was saying good night to Other Mommy.” This unsettling moment sparked Malerman’s imagination, leading him to explore the eerie depths of children’s perceptions in his writing.
From a Sweet Story to Horror Inspiration
Initially unsure how to interpret his brother’s unsettling tale, Malerman said, “So what? Like, what hotel are you at?” His brother insisted that kids often say strange things, and it clicked for Malerman that this brief anecdote could be transformed into a book idea. “The goal is to keep or to maintain the same sort of shiver that I got from the four-sentence story my brother told me,” he explained.
A Novel with Real-Life Roots
Malerman, who had just released his acclaimed novel Bird Box in 2014—later adapted into a widely popular Netflix film—poured his creativity into the concept. His forthcoming 2024 horror novel, Incidents Around the House, further develops the eerie premise. The story centers on a struggling couple, Ursula and Ross, and their young daughter, Bela, who encounters a mysterious entity in her closet dubbed “Other Mommy.” Presented through Bela’s eyes, the narrative explores the growing terror as this figure infiltrates their family life, urging Bela to “go into your heart.”
Hollywood Takes Notice
Intrigued by the concept, acclaimed filmmaker James Wan and his production company Blumhouse-Atomic Monster optioned the book within a blink of an eye. The adaptation began filming in Ireland in 2025, even before the paperback release of the novel. Director Rob Savage, whose breakout horror films include Host and Dashcam, was enthusiastic about bringing the story to life. Malerman expressed confidence in Savage’s vision, stating, “I think that Rob has all these things in him.” He noted the blending of different filmmaking styles reflected in Other Mommy.
Casting Choices and Collaborations
Malerman also praised the casting of Jessica Chastain in the dual role of Ursula and Other Mommy. He remarked, “Jessica Chastain encapsulated that frayed end of being not just a mother or a parent, but a parent that’s dealing with regular problems.” Their collaborative discussions on the themes of horror led to a moment of connection, where Malerman shared his perspective on horror as a bridge between childhood and adulthood.
Adapting the Source Material
While the film diverges from the novel—such as the entity only mimicking Ursula once in the book—Malerman considers the adaptation a worthy reflection of his original work. He was privy to three different cuts of the film, with varying tones and scenes, each showcasing different elements of Savage’s vision. Malerman reminisced about a scene where the parents drunkenly taunt Other Mommy during a chase, saying, “The first one felt very free-wheeling. A little bit of an indie filmmaker vibe to it.”
The Art of Horror
From the onset, Malerman appreciated Savage’s careful direction, which deviated from typical horror tropes. He recounts a conversation with Savage following the first cut where he expressed his admiration for its innovative approach. Savage pointed out the unique perspective—the story unfolds from an eight-year-old’s view—thereby maintaining its essential artistry in a larger cinematic context.
A Personal Connection to the Story
In a poignant twist, Malerman’s niece Elliott, the inspiration behind the entity “Other Mommy,” attended the film’s premiere. Her reaction to seeing her childhood story on the big screen was one of deep emotional resonance, as Malerman reflected, “It was a bit like her childhood story had grown up into a huge movie. And I suppose it had.”
