The Matriarch (2024) Review: A Well-Crafted Horror-Thriller!

Jayden Creighton’s The Matriarch marks an assured and unsettling entry into the world of horror-thrillers, proving once again that Australia remains a fertile ground for genre filmmaking. While it’s Creighton’s feature debut, there’s nothing amateur about the ambition on display. From its stripped-back setting to its intense central premise, The Matriarch is a film that aims to dig into the darker corners of domestic horror, where the real monsters aren’t lurking in the shadows—they’re sitting across the dinner table.

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Set in the isolation of rural Australia, the story follows 13-year-old Missy, played by newcomer Juliette Greenfield, who lives with her unstable, drug-addicted mother Annette (Kate Logan). Things take a grim turn when Annette’s violent boyfriend Trent (Andy Sparnon) is released from prison and moves in with them. The house, already steeped in emotional tension, becomes a powder keg ready to explode. What unfolds is a survival tale rooted in fear, betrayal, and desperation, as Missy finds herself forced to act in order to survive—a choice that ignites a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse between mother and daughter.

What truly stands out about The Matriarch is its technical polish. The film is beautifully shot and sharply edited, with Matthew Martin’s cinematography making excellent use of light and claustrophobic interiors. The production design is minimal but thoughtful, enhancing the film’s gritty tone. Michael Drew’s background score adds an eerie layer without overwhelming the drama, while Michael Monaco’s sound editing keeps the tension razor-sharp. The body horror and practical SFX are especially impressive—there are moments that turn your stomach in the best way. For a low-budget indie, this is the work of a crew that punches well above its weight, and their efforts deserve serious recognition.

Another strength of The Matriarch lies in its story structure and pacing. The screenplay wastes no time meandering—it dives straight into the core tension, letting the dread simmer before boiling over. There’s no unnecessary buildup, just a lean, effective narrative that pulls you in quickly and never lets go. What also stands out is the film’s unique and unsettling premise. It’s not often you see a story centered around a mother deliberately turning on her own child with violent intent, and that inversion of maternal instinct is what gives this film its most chilling edge.

The performances are the glue that holds this intense psychological ride together. Kate Logan delivers a truly disturbing turn as the mother, capturing the volatility, desperation, and cruelty of an addict whose loyalties have become dangerously warped. She’s unhinged, unpredictable, and often terrifying to watch. On the other side of the emotional spectrum, Juliette Greenfield is remarkable as Missy. For a young actor, she brings surprising emotional depth to the role—especially in the more vulnerable scenes where Missy is fighting through betrayal, fear, and heartbreak.

In the end, The Matriarch is a tight, well-crafted horror-thriller that leaves a lasting impression. It marks a strong debut for Jayden Creighton, who clearly understands both the mechanics of the genre and its emotional core. I’m genuinely excited to see more of his work in the near future.

‘The Matriarch’ Rating – 3.25/5