Jessica Chastain has revealed the secret behind the terrifying smile she employs as the dual antagonist in the upcoming horror film Other Mommy. According to Chastain, the unsettling facial expression is rooted in physical pain, a technique she developed to embody the entity that haunts the film's central family.
Chastain stars in Universal Pictures' Other Mommy, portraying both a mother and the malevolent entity that inhabits her skin. This Coraline-esque premise adds another entry into Chastain's growing filmography within the horror genre, which includes roles in IT Chapter 2, Mama, and Crimson Peak.
The film's primary draw lies in Chastain's disturbing transformation from a nurturing mother to a bloodthirsty entity. Trailers showcase the acclaimed actress in both roles, with her portrayal of the entity featuring a vacant stare and a wide, seemingly agonizing smile.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Chastain elaborated on her approach to creating the entity's distinctive look. "I thought about this entity holding on the skin of a person, and maybe that’s the painful thing, like maybe you’re holding a box for a long time that’s very heavy," she explained. "So the tension in your body, you have to hold this, and then, you have to smile, because you need a child to think you’re safe and approachable."
Chastain then demonstrated the unsettling smile for the audience, even producing a tear on cue, an action Kimmel acknowledged as a display of her acting prowess. "I am a trained actress," Chastain joked. "You know what it is? I really felt the pain in my body, and that’s why, sometimes, you can see in the neck in the pictures — but then try to be as nice as possible. Don’t show your teeth."
Early reviews for Other Mommy have been largely critical, with some audiences describing the film as more "silly than it is scary," "truly dreadful," and "masterfully cringe." The film is set to release theatrically on October 9. Viewers will soon have the opportunity to form their own opinions, with the hope that Chastain's performance can elevate the film despite the initial reception. Her unsettling smile alone promises to be a memorable element.