Umma 2022

Korean immigrant Amanda and her homeschooled daughter Chrissy, affectionately called “Amani,” lead a simple life on their rural farm. Here, they engage in beekeeping, sell honey, and raise chickens while deliberately avoiding the complications of modern technology, as Amanda claims to suffer from an “allergic reaction” to electronics and electricity. However, her tranquil life is disrupted when she learns that Chrissy yearns to leave the farm to pursue higher education.

The situation intensifies when Amanda receives a suitcase containing the cremated ashes of her estranged mother, Umma, sent by her uncle Mr. Kang from Korea. This unexpected arrival forces Amanda to confront the painful memories of her abusive childhood. Umma had struggled to raise Amanda in the United States, facing the dual challenges of language barriers and cultural isolation. It becomes evident that Amanda’s claimed “allergy” to electronics is a defense mechanism against the trauma inflicted during her upbringing, a direct result of being electrically punished by her mother.

As Amanda severed ties with Umma, she also distanced herself from her Korean roots, abandoning her family name and heritage. After the uncle’s departure, he expresses disappointment in Amanda for neglecting her mother and failing to teach Chrissy about their culture and language.

Shortly after the ashes are delivered, a malevolent spirit manifests, intent on claiming Amanda’s body. The supernatural occurrences grow increasingly alarming, from visions of tormented Korean souls—including Umma’s spirit—to confrontations with a kumiho feasting on her chickens. With mounting paranoia, Amanda becomes convinced that she is transforming into her mother. This fear becomes a grave reality when Umma’s spirit takes control of Amanda’s daughter, seeking to complete the cycle of torment.

In a gripping scene, Chrissy discovers her mother engaged in the Jesa, adorned in traditional attire, only to be attacked by Amanda. However, in a moment of desperation, Chrissy manages to escape by pleading for her life. Realizing that she must confront her mother, Amanda chooses to forgive the past abuse. She empathetically acknowledges the harrowing circumstances that led Umma to raise her alone in a foreign land, understanding that such challenges do not excuse the harsh treatment she endured.

This moment of compassion allows Umma to find peace, as she too recognizes the injustice of her actions. The narrative concludes with Amanda embracing her heritage and sharing it with Chrissy, also coming to terms with her daughter’s aspirations towards independence. In this way, the film beautifully explores themes of reconciliation, cultural identity, and the complexities of familial love.