Epitaph

Watch Epitaph

  • NR
  • 1988
  • 1 hr 34 min
  • 3.6  (274)

Epitaph, also known as Mommy's Epitaph, is a haunting psychological thriller from 1987 directed by Syrian-American filmmaker T.F. Mou. The movie tells the story of a young woman named Natasha Pavlovich who becomes the unwilling victim of a sinister plot orchestrated by her own mother. Natasha (played by Pavlovich) is a troubled and emotionally fragile young woman who is plagued by hallucinations and nightmares. Her mother (Delores Nascar) is a wealthy and manipulative woman who is obsessed with controlling every aspect of her daughter's life. When Natasha's father dies under mysterious circumstances, her mother becomes increasingly paranoid and starts to shut Natasha out of her life.

As the movie unfolds, we see how Natasha becomes increasingly isolated and trapped in a world of her mother's making. Her mother hires a private detective to keep tabs on her, and begins to subject her to a series of bizarre and degrading rituals. From making her sleep on the floor to forcing her to wear humiliating outfits, Natasha's mother takes pleasure in breaking her daughter's spirit.

As the tension builds, we see hints that there may be more going on than meets the eye. Natasha begins to suspect that her mother is not just controlling but outright abusive, and she enlists the help of an unlikely ally--a recently released convict named Jimmy (Jimmy Williams).

Jimmy is a hardened criminal with a heart of gold who is drawn to Natasha's vulnerability. He sees in her a kindred spirit, and the two strike up an unlikely friendship. Together, they start to unravel the dark secrets that lie buried in Natasha's past, and they begin to uncover a web of lies and deceit that threatens to destroy them both.

The movie is shot in a stark, minimalist style that emphasizes the suffocating sense of isolation and oppression that Natasha experiences. The soundtrack is haunting and atmospheric, using sparse and evocative instrumentation to create an ominous and foreboding atmosphere.

Throughout the movie, we see how Natasha is pushed to the brink of madness by the cruel and manipulative actions of her mother. As her grip on reality slips further and further, we are left wondering whether she will be able to overcome her demons or whether she will succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume her.

Overall, Epitaph is a chilling and masterful work of psychological horror that explores themes of control, abuse, and the limits of the human psyche. The performances by Natasha Pavlovich, Delores Nascar, and Jimmy Williams are all outstanding, bringing a level of emotional depth and nuance to their roles that makes the movie a truly gripping and unforgettable experience.

Epitaph doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services.
Add this movie to your Watchlist to get notified when it's available.
Description
  • Release Date
    1988
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 34 min
  • IMDB Rating
    3.6  (274)